Solar Panels: Exploring Intermittency in Energy Outputs
Introduction
Solar panels are a viable form of renewable energy utilized around the world due to their rapid growth and inherent environmental benefits. However, there is one major hitch that affects solar panel output: intermittency. This occurs when the solar panels generate a varying amount of energy over time—only producing energy when the sun is shining. To understand the implications of intermittency, an investigation into how intermittency affects energy generation, current technological advancements, and the forecast for solar energy output in eight years is necessary.
Overview of How Solar Panels Can Only Generate Energy During Sunny Days
Solar panels essentially work through photovoltaic cells, which are semi-conductor material that behaves like a two-way street for electricity. When it is exposed to sunlight, electrons move in a specific direction. This current is then converted into electrical energy. As such, the strength of the energy will depend on the amount of sunlight present. Therefore, during the night or on cloudy days, there will be very limited electricity output. On sunny days, the strength of the electricity generated will significantly increase, thus allowing for more stable electricity levels.
Challenges with Intermittency
The challenge with intermittency arises as it interrupts the supply of energy and limits the amount of energy generated from solar panels. This is due to the fact that there is no consistency in the level of solar radiation, as reflected in sunlight hours, daylight hours and cloud cover. For example, if solar panels are used to power devices in a household, the output may be unreliable on cloudy days, and more energy may be required from other sources to meet the energy demands of the house. Moreover, the sun does not always appear on days when the energy demand is the highest, such as summer days when air conditioners require more power.
Technological Solutions
Fortunately, various technological advancements have enabled solar panels to store energy, even on cloudy days, thus providing a more reliable form of energy. One such advancement is the energy storage battery, which absorbs energy from solar panels during the day and can then be released during the evening. This makes it much more efficient in comparison to solar panels, as they would not be able to generate enough energy to meet the household’s needs during the evening or overcast days.
Furthermore, new battery technology such as the All-Sun Energy Tracking System effectively determines when clouds pass over solar panels, allowing them to track and adjust the angle of the panel accordingly, thus allowing it to receive more sunlight even during overcast days. This improves the efficiency of solar panels and contributes to the higher level of electricity generated.
Effect of Intermittency on Households
Intermittency has both an emotional and financial effect on households. Emotionally, the thought of relying on unstable energy sources can be concerning, especially when energy is needed at a predictable time. This presents an inconvenience for households, as energy cannot be consumed in the same way it would be with traditional energy sources.
Financially, households may be adversely affected from an economic standpoint, as the sun does not always appear during the times when energy is needed most. For example, peak energy demand occurs during the evening when people arrive home from their daily lives and require the energy for various appliances. This would result in households having to purchase additional energy from traditional sources, thus increasing their energy costs.
Benefits of Intermittent Energy
Despite the inconveniences that come with intermittent energy, it still provides households with numerous benefits. One of the most significant being the reduced energy costs derived from its utilization. When a household is self-sufficient and obtains its energy from self-generating sources such as solar panels, it eliminates the need to purchase energy from traditional sources. This can result in considerable savings, as households no longer need to pay for energy bills.
Intermittent energy can also help with peak energy demand. As solar panels output can be unpredictable, households can set up solar panels to absorb energy during the day and then release the energy during peak periods. This helps to reduce strain on the power grid, as the energy output from solar panels reduces reliance on traditional sources.
Relevance of Intermittency in 8 Years
Over the next eight years, solar panel technology is likely to grow and become more efficient due to further technological advancements. This means that energy output from solar panels is likely to become more stable, thus mitigating intermittency. By 2030, households will be able to implement solar panels that have higher levels of efficiency and ultimately produce a more stable form of energy.
However, despite technological advancements, intermittency will still be an issue that needs to be managed. As such, households must take proactive steps to ensure that their solar panels are well-equipped to handle intermittent energy production, such as utilizing energy storage batteries and trackers.
Conclusion
Intermittency poses a challenge to energy generated from solar panels as it can disrupt the supply and stability of energy output. It can also be inconvenient for households as energy levels may be unreliable during the evening or overcast days. However, technological advancements have enabled solar panels to store energy, thus making them a more viable form of energy. Over the next eight years, technological breakthroughs are likely to further improve the output of solar panels and allow households to benefit from reduced energy costs.
To conclude, the biggest problem that solar panels present is intermittency. With the right technology and proactive steps, it is possible to mitigate the effects of this issue, allowing households to benefit from the savings and stable energy that solar panels have to offer.
