What are the advantages of solar energy and why is solar the best source of energy? Solar energy, derived from the sun's radiation, is a critical component of the global energy transition. In recent decades, the adoption of solar energy has accelerated, due to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy security. Not withstanding the savings to both residential and commercial property owners.
Most countries are increasingly investing in solar energy. Technological advancements continue to transform the way solar energy can be enhanced into an even more efficient energy source.
Advantages of Solar Energy
Energy Independence
By harnessing solar energy, countries can reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels. Take for example in 2014 when war that broke out between Russia and Ukraine. This hiked up electricity bills tremendously. When Covid came along in early 2020, additional supply and demand chains were affected. Becoming energy independent not only enhances energy security and stability, but protects economies from volatile global energy markets. For homeowners and businesses, solar installations offer energy autonomy and resilience against power outages.
Economic Benefits
Solar energy offers substantial economic advantages. The cost of solar panels has decreased significantly in recent years, making solar installations more affordable. Solar energy systems can provide long-term savings on electricity bills and offer a high return on investment. Further with the buy back programs offered, the amount you'll be paid for selling solar power back to the National Grid through the Smart Export Guarantee will vary depending on the tariff you choose.
Environmental Benefits
One of the most significant advantages of solar energy is its environmental impact. Solar power generation produces no greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the carbon footprint of energy consumption. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy does not pollute air or water, and it minimizes habitat disruption.
Technological Advancements
The solar industry continues to see remarkable technological progress. Innovations in photovoltaic (PV) cells, energy storage, and smart grid integration have increased the efficiency and reliability of solar systems. These advancements make solar energy more accessible and practical for diverse applications.
Overview of Solar Technologies
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials. These systems are versatile and can be installed on rooftops, ground-mounted arrays, or integrated into building materials. PV technology has seen significant efficiency improvements, making it the most widely used solar technology.
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
CSP systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area, generating high temperatures that produce steam to drive turbines. CSP is particularly effective in large-scale power plants and can provide stable, dispatchable power.
Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC)
SHC systems use solar energy to heat and cool buildings, reducing the need for conventional heating and cooling systems. These systems are cost-effective and contribute to energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings.
Which solar panel brand to choose
There are a variety of brands to choose from. Sometimes the selection is so vast it can be overwhelming. Check out our solar panel comparison table that you can review for some guidance. Alternatively feel free to email us at support@itstechnologies.uk.
In this article we are highlighting AIKO Solar. For not much more cost than budget panels you not only get the highest efficiency modules on the market at around 23% and with 15 yearr product warranty and 30year performance warranty, there are also two very unique advantages over any other panels yet on the market:
- Aiko N-Type ABC modules are resistant to micro-cracks which can easily occur with regular modules and can significantly reduce performance
- Aiko N-Type ABC modules have Cell-level partial shade optimization which significantly reduces the impact of shading on the panels, which can happen from any number of reasons such as dirt, clouds trees etc.
Who is Aiko Solar?
Founded in 2009, AIKO Solar Energy has rapidly become a global leader in high-efficiency solar cell manufacturing. The company's headquarters are in Foshan, China, and it operates multiple manufacturing facilities and research centers. Aiko Solar's commitment to innovation and quality has positioned it at the forefront of the solar industry.
Aiko Solar is renowned for its technological advancements, particularly in high-efficiency solar cells. The company's products are characterized by superior light absorption and energy conversion rates. By prioritizing research and development, Aiko Solar continuously pushes the boundaries of solar technology.
The Aiko Solar Panel Module Range
Aiko Solar offers a diverse range of solar panel modules, each designed to meet specific needs and applications. Their product line includes the ABC (Advanced Bi-facial Cell) series, the PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) series, and the N-type series, among others. Here, we will explore the key features and benefits of these ranges.
ABC Series
The ABC series represents Aiko’s most advanced technology in solar panel modules. These modules utilize bi-facial cell technology, which allows them to capture sunlight from both the front and rear sides. This dual-side light absorption significantly increases the energy yield, making the ABC series one of the most efficient products in the market.
Key Features:
Bi-facial design for enhanced energy production.
High efficiency with up to 21% energy conversion rates.
Excellent performance in low-light conditions.
Durable construction with high resistance to environmental degradation.
Benefits:
Higher energy output per square meter.
Increased overall system efficiency.
Reduced balance of system (BOS) costs due to higher energy yield.
PERC Series
The PERC series is another highlight in Aiko’s product lineup. PERC technology involves adding a dielectric passivation layer on the rear side of the solar cell, which improves light absorption and reduces electron recombination. This results in higher efficiency and better performance.
Key Features:
Passivated rear surface for improved light absorption.
Reduced recombination losses leading to higher efficiency.
High power output with superior performance under various environmental conditions.
Benefits:
Cost-effective solution with a high return on investment (ROI).
Enhanced performance in real-world conditions, including low-light scenarios.
Ideal for residential and commercial installations.
N-Type Series
The N-type series solar panels are known for their high efficiency and long-term performance. N-type cells use phosphorus as a dopant, which offers better performance and less degradation over time compared to the traditional P-type cells.
Key Features:
High efficiency with minimal light-induced degradation (LID).
Superior temperature coefficient, maintaining high performance even in hot climates.
Longer lifespan with excellent durability.
Benefits:
Consistent high performance over the lifespan of the module.
Ideal for utility-scale projects where longevity and reliability are crucial.
Reduced maintenance costs due to the durable construction.
Technological Advancements
Some of AIKO's key technological advancements include:
Half-Cell Technology: By dividing solar cells into halves, Aiko reduces electrical resistance and increases power output. This technology also improves the module's shade tolerance, enhancing overall system performance.
Multi-Busbar (MBB) Design: Aiko's modules use multiple thin wires instead of traditional busbars, which reduces shading on the cells and increases efficiency.
Advanced Materials: Aiko utilizes high-purity silicon and other advanced materials to ensure optimal performance and longevity of their solar panels.
The advantages of Solar energy are clear as day. We hope we've answered your question of why solar energy is the best source energy. By investing in solar products you will enjoy significant economic and environmental benefits. If you are considering solar energy, AIKO solar is a good value for money choice.