Solar Energy to Electricity: a study

by Mary Jane J. Naval

The radiation from the Sun that can create heat, ignite chemical reactions, or produce
electricity is known as solar energy. In Botany, solar energy is one of primary components in
generating energy done by photosensitive structures of the plant to its complex processing units.
That said, there have been multiple research projects on utilizing solar energy conversion to
electricity considering its innate nature to be the primary source of energy on the earth.
According to an article written by Ashok, S., 2024, the Earth receives far more solar energy
overall than what is needed for present and future energy needs. Solar energy has the capacity to
meet all the world's energy needs if used properly. The energy produced by the sun is then
called, Thermal energy. If the sun shines, energy will be released, making solar power a
renewable, limitless energy source with no negative greenhouse gas emissions.

Considering the abundance of solar energy and its accessibility, how can we integrate it
as a primary source of electricity? What would be its advantage over the conventional power
sources available in the market today?

Flat-plate collectors are the most widely used equipment for gathering solar energy and
converting it to thermal energy. Solar ponds, which are saltwater bodies created specifically to
gather and store solar energy, offer an additional means of converting thermal energy. Solar
cells, commonly known as photovoltaic cells, are another device that may directly convert solar
energy into electricity. Solar panels are usually made from silicon, or another semiconductor
material installed in a metal panel frame with a glass casing. When this material is exposed to
photons of sunlight (very small packets of energy) it releases electrons and produces an electric
charge, (nationalgrid, 2023).

Currently, the renewable nature of solar energy and its ease of setup are two of its
benefits. Energy sources classified as renewables are non-consumable, unlike fossil fuels. For
now, the main energy source is fossil fuels.
How solar power is turned to electricity

You know solar panels turn sunlight into electricity, but here's a step-by-step breakdown.

1. Solar panels contain photovoltaic (PV) cells made from semiconductor materials. When
sunlight hits a solar panel, the PV cells absorb the sun's rays to produce direct current
(DC) electricity.
2. This DC electricity then goes through an inverter, which converts it into usable
alternating current (AC). Most homes and appliances use AC electricity.
3. Once converted into AC electricity, it's routed through your home's electrical panel and
distributed to power your lights, appliances, and other devices.
4. Solar panel systems usually come with monitoring systems. Each solar company will
have its own monitoring app that you can download to track performance and to know
how much solar power you generate.

Advantages:

Location

Philippines is an ideal location for solar panels to be installed due to its natural sunny
environment. The Philippines is in strategic near-equatorial location which predicts sunny
projections and balanced four (4) seasons. Using temperature and rainfall as bases, the climate of
the country can be divided into two major seasons: (1) the rainy season, from June to November;
and (2) the dry season, from December to May. The dry season may be subdivided further into
(a) the cool dry season, from December to February; and (b) the hot dry season, from March to
May, (PAGASA, 2024).

Reduced electricity bills

Direct Electricity Production

Solar panels convert solar energy or sunlight into electricity for your home or business.
This direct generation means you draw less power from the grid, helping reduce your electricity
bills.

Net Metering

You can ask your electric company for a net metering agreement. This means that when
your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, you can send this extra solar power to
your city's electricity network grid in exchange for credits. This can offset the cost of electricity
you use when your panels aren't producing electricity.
Solar Batteries

Alternatively, you can store any extra electricity in solar batteries. You can use this stored
energy during power outages or at night. But solar batteries can be pricey, so many choose the
grid option first. While the batteries can last an average of 5-15 years before needing to be
replaced, this lifespan depends on the type of battery, how it's used, and the conditions under
which it operates.

Long-Term Savings

Over time, solar panels lead to huge savings. While the initial cost might seem high, they
can save money on your monthly electricity bill. Over the years, these savings add up, often
covering the cost of the panels and then some. The panels also have a long lifespan—usually 20
to 25 years or more—with minimal maintenance.
The return on investment (ROI) for solar panels can be impressive. Generally, they pay
for themselves in just a few years. After that, it's like getting free electricity. This ROI is a huge
factor in choosing solar power.

Renewable Energy Source

Solar energy, which is harnessed from the sun’s light, is a renewable energy source because it
isn’t depleted when used. Instead, the sun naturally regenerates, or renews, its photovoltaic
energy at a rate exponentially faster than humans can harvest that energy, (Brock, M., 2024).

Low Maintenance Costs

Solar energy systems are known for their low maintenance requirements. Regular cleaning, a few
times a year, is typically sufficient to keep them in good working order, and professional
cleaning services are available at modest costs. Most top-tier solar panel manufacturers provide
warranties lasting 20-25 years. Since solar systems contain no moving parts, wear and tear are
minimal. The main component requiring replacement is the inverter, necessary for converting
solar energy into electricity and heat, usually after 5-10 years of operation. Additionally,
maintaining the cables is essential to ensure optimal system efficiency. After the initial
investment in a solar system, ongoing costs for maintenance and repairs are generally low.

Rapid Technological Advancements

The field of solar power is marked by continuous technological progress, with future
advancements expected to be even more significant. Cutting-edge research in quantum physics
and nanotechnology holds the promise of greatly enhancing solar panel efficiency. These
advancements could potentially double or even triple the electrical output of solar power
systems.

Disadvantages:
High Initial Costs

The upfront investment for solar energy systems can be substantial. This cost includes the solar
panels, inverter, batteries, wiring, and installation. However, as solar technology continues to
evolve, it’s reasonable to anticipate that prices may decrease in the future.

Factors that affect the cost of solar panel installation:

Roof’s Material, Type, and Condition

What your roof is made of, and its current condition affects the cost of solar panel
installation. Solar panels can be installed on most roofs in the Philippines, but some materials
won’t be able to withstand the weight of the entire solar panel system.
Metal Roofing

Most roofs in the Philippines are made from trapezoidal metal. Among all roof types, this
has the lowest solar panel installation cost. Solar panels are installed using small mounting
brackets that are drilled into the trapezoidal protrusion of your roof. This simple solar panel
installation process is what ensures the costs are kept low.

Tiled Roofing

With tiled roofing, the solar panel installation cost is higher because more work is
involved in installing its mounting system. Here, your roof tiles are removed before installing the
mounting system and returned after the brackets have been securely drilled into the roof.

Wooden Roof

It is not recommended to install solar panels on wooden roofs. As a material, wood is

Aside from the type and material, solar installation companies also need to take a look at
the condition of the roof. When your roof is too steep, the solar panel installation cost will
increase because of the additional manpower required.

Some of the things that will be needed in installing the solar panels include; solar panels,
an appropriate space, a mounting system, and an inverter.

The average cost of solar panels in the Philippines can vary depending on the type of
panel, brand, and manufacturer, and installation costs. The price range for different types of solar
panels can range from Php 30,000 to Php 50,000 per kilowatt (kW) for residential solar panels
and Php 20,000 to Php 30,000 per kW for commercial solar panels.
Costly Energy Storage

Storing solar energy requires large batteries, especially for off-grid systems. These batteries can
be charged during the day to provide power at night, allowing for continuous use of solar energy.
However, this storage solution is expensive. A more feasible option for many is to use solar
energy during the day and switch to the grid at night. This approach works well since energy
needs are typically higher during the day, allowing solar energy to meet a substantial portion of
the demand.

Image 1. A sample battery price in one of the Philippines’ Solar Battery manufacturers.

Space Requirements

The generation of more electricity requires a larger number of solar panels, as they need
to capture as much sunlight as possible. This can be a challenge, as solar panels require
considerable space, and not all roofs are large enough to accommodate the desired number of
panels. One solution is to install additional panels in your yard, provided they can access
sunlight. If space constraints prevent installing as many panels as you’d like, you can opt for a
smaller number to meet at least a portion of your energy needs.
Image 2. Sample Solar Panel dimensions calculations relative to power consumption

Massive corporations utilizing solar power

As per CNBC, 2024 reports, American businesses are investing record amounts in solar, with the
top corporate users adding 325 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity last year, according to the
“Solar Means Business 2017” report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

These corporations include; Amazon.com (33.6 MW), Macy’s (38.9 MW), IKEA (44.9 MW),
General Growth Properties (50.2 MW), Costco Wholesale (50.8 MW), Kohl’s (51.5 MW), Apple
(79.4 MW), Prologis (120.7 MW), Walmart (149.4 MW), Target (203.5 MW).