大象传媒

Key facts

Solar power comes from the Sun so it is a renewable energy source.

We can use the energy from the sun to provide heat directly. We can also use solar panels made up of solar cells to turn sunlight into sustainable electricity.

Solar panels聽are highly efficient in聽Scotland. 35, 000 homes have already transitioned to聽solar energy and feeding electricity into the .

Solar panels on the Isle of Eigg
Image caption,
Solar panels on the Isle of Eigg, Scotland.

Solar power and its impact

Find out how the sun can be used to generate electricity.

How solar energy is used

Solar electricity panels

Electricity is generated from energy from the Sun by solar panels. These are made up from individual solar cells (also called photovoltaic cells).

  1. Light from the sun passes through the glass cover of a solar cell.
  2. The sunlight hits layers of semiconductors, giving extra energy to electrons in the semiconductors.
  3. This energy builds up negative and positive charges in the different layers.
  4. The opposite charges cause an electrical current to flow through metal wires.
  5. This electricity can then be used locally or transported through the National Grid to homes and workplaces.

Solar thermal panels

As well as being used to generate electricity, solar energy can be used to directly provide heat to our homes. One common usage is to provide hot water rather than relying on a gas-powered boiler.

Solar thermal panels absorb energy from the sun. This heats up a fluid that is piped through them. The fluid then transports this heat to a water tank.

Diagram showing how solar panels can generate electricty
Figure caption,
Solar panels can be used to heat water that can be used in our homes.

Location factors

  • Solar energy is energy that comes from the聽Sun and the solar panels 耻蝉别听sunlight聽to make聽electricity.
  • Therefore, locations with direct access to sunlight are needed.
  • South facing areas receive more sunlight than north facing so these are good sites.
  • Solar panels do not work when in shadow. Obstructions like trees, buildings or even the chimney on a roof can prevent them from working.
  • Areas with many days of sunlight hour* over the course of the year are ideal.
  • In Scotland, some of the sunniest locations are near or on the east coast as well islands including Tiree.
Solar panels on the Beauly Firth near Inverness in Scotland
Image caption,
Solar panels on the Beauly Firth near Inverness.

Sustainability of solar power

To develop a sustainable future you need to think about meeting today's needs and protecting the聽environment听补苍诲听resources聽for the future.

Solar energy is a renewable source. As long as the Sun lights the Earth, we will always have solar energy鈥

Solar power is sustainable because it releases no greenhouse gases or pollution,

The negative impact of solar power is down to the impact of their manufacture and transport. Large amounts of energy and water are needed to manufacture solar cells and the chemicals used can cause pollution.

Solar cells include rare metals and extracting these causes damage to local environments.

Most modern solar panels are expected to last about 40 - 50 years. Recycling them will help make them more sustainable.

Solar panels on the roof of a modern house
Image caption,
Solar panels on the roof of a modern house.

Advantages and disadvantages of solar power

Advantages

  • One of the biggest benefits of solar energy is that it is renewable. It needs no extra fuel other than the light from the sun.
  • Solar panels are very versatile in their variety of sizes and uses. If you are installing them, the trick is to find the best location. You can use a light sensor to find out which spots get the best amount of light.
  • There are no fuel costs and no harmful polluting gases are produced.
  • Solar cells can provide electricity in remote locations where there is no mains electricity.
  • Solar thermal panels can be used to heat spaces and water directly.

Disadvantages

  • Due to our seasonal sunshine, solar power generates more electricity in summer with longer periods of daylight but long winters and cloudy skies reduce its efficiency.
  • Scotland鈥檚 variable sunshine means our renewable energy is more reliably generated through wind and hydroelectric power.
  • Solar panels don't work at night. This is often when people are using the most energy in their homes.
  • Solar panels cannot store energy, so batteries or capacitors are needed to do this.
  • Making solar cells requires rare metals as well as lots of energy and water.

Test your knowledge

More on Energy sources and sustainability

Find out more by working through a topic