Is Solar Energy Renewable or Nonrenewable

Is Solar Energy Renewable or Nonrenewable. Solar energy has become one of the cheapest energy sources to produce, as reflected in the latest energy reports. Its boom is increasing and not only because of the cost of production, but also because it is a renewable, green and clean energy. And it is that this comes directly from the sun , as you well know. Now, why solar energy, or photovoltaic solar energy, is renewable and inexhaustible.

Is Solar Energy Renewable or Nonrenewable

In this article we want to find an answer to this and other questions related to solar renewable energy. We explain what solar energy is, what the different types of solar energy are and, of course, what the uses of solar energy are, as well as its advantages. Continue reading for more information!

What is solar energy

Solar energy  is energy that comes directly from the sun . This is generated through solar radiation taking advantage of the photovoltaic effect to produce electricity, or to generate heat and use it to heat homes. Solar energy is a clean, green and renewable energy. It is produced through solar panels, which can be photovoltaic, thermal and hybrid —and which, in turn, can be made with monocrystalline or polycrystalline crystals—.

The different types of solar energy are generated through solar photovoltaic installations or solar thermal installations. These also vary depending on where the installation is carried out, although in general terms we can find  network installations or isolated installations  —in the case of photovoltaic solar energy— and  open or closed circuit solar installations  —to obtain Thermal solar energy-.

types of solar energy

The types of solar energy, as we have mentioned in the previous section, are the following:

• Photovoltaic solar energy : Photovoltaic solar energy is that used for the production of electricity, whether in a private home, for the electrical consumption of a building, for a motorhome, for a solar irrigation system or for the pump of a swimming pool and even for the generation of electricity in a photovoltaic power plant, among other uses of solar energy.
• Solar thermal energy : In this case, the uses of solar energy are intended for heating a home by heating the water and the piping system that connects to the radiators, or for heating domestic hot water —that is, , the water for the shower or for washing up.

A third type of solar energy would be  passive solar energy . In this case, the use of solar energy is carried out  without extra technology to transform it . That is, you do not need to carry out the transformation of energy currents for use at home or anywhere else. Direct sunlight is used.

Solar renewable energy: characteristics

As we indicated at the beginning, solar energy  is renewable, green and clean . When we talk about renewable, we mean that  it is an inexhaustible energy  since it takes advantage of natural resources that do not have an expiration date. This is because it is obtained directly from the sun and, according to scientific calculations, the sun will not go extinct for about 5 billion years. Now, another of the characteristics thanks to which solar energy has become the favorite in recent years and its use has become enormously popular is because this type of energy  does not emit any type of pollution or residue. that contributes to the increase of greenhouse gases. It is for this reason that it is a green and clean energy. In addition, the production of this energy does not generate waste.

Advantages of solar energy

We have mentioned several of the advantages of solar renewable energy. Now, in this section we are going to expose them in a summarized way and analyze what all of them are so that there is no doubt. These are the main advantages of solar energy:

• It is renewable, clean and green : As we mentioned in the previous point, it is an inexhaustible energy and does not generate pollution or waste responsible for the greenhouse effect, nor waste.
• In the cheapest energy to produce : According to the report of the International Energy Agency (IEA) of the year 2020, solar energy is the cheapest to produce. The  Word Energy Outlook 2020 report  reflects that solar energy generates the cheapest electricity in history.
• Long life of solar panels : The lifespan of solar panels is long lasting. These have an average life of 25 years, however, depending on the use and maintenance that is carried out, their duration can extend up to 30 years. And it is that, although the power of the solar panels decreases slightly from 20, they can continue to be used without problem and at zero cost until the average useful life date.
• Quickly amortized : Carrying out a photovoltaic solar installation involves a somewhat high outlay at first, however, this investment is quickly amortized by reducing the cost of electricity bills. Of course, the amortization depends on the use that is given to it, although in general, the average is between 6 and 9 years. From that moment on, the generation of electricity —in the case of photovoltaic solar energy— will be at zero cost.
• Independence from the general electrical network : In the event that you carry out an isolated solar installation, you will not have to pay anything to the general electrical network. These installations work with the use of batteries and can be complemented with electric generators to have electricity at your disposal at any time.
• You can receive compensation for excess production : If your self-consumption installation is connected to the electricity grid and excess energy is produced, you will obtain financial compensation by depositing it in your supplier’s network. This is usually reflected in a reduction in the electricity bill.
• It reaches inhospitable places : Unlike other energies, it can be used anywhere, even in the most inhospitable places where the general network does not reach. This facilitates its use for solar pumping installations.