What are the benefits of installing solar panels and how do they impact the environment? What conditions maximize the production of solar power?

Solar panels have many economic and environmental benefits. While they currently account for only two percent of Canada’s energy supply, it’s estimated that solar power will become the main global source of energy by 2050. They are a renewable energy source that converts solar energy into power that can be used as electricity. They are a benefit to the environment, as unlike nonrenewable energy, they do not emit the greenhouse gases, which are feeding the climate emergency. Their size and modularity means that they can be scaled up or down depending on how much space is available, unlike other forms of power like hydroelectric dams. They are also cheaper than non-renewables, which require a continuous supply of fossil fuels like natural gas or coal. In addition, once they are installed and payed for, solar panels will continue to produce energy and provide a return on the investment.

Solar panels consist of two types of silicon (n-type above and p-type below). When photons hit the panel they transfer their energy to electrons in the p-type and cause them to move from the p-type to the n-type. This generates electricity.

There are many factors that influence how much energy gets produced from solar panels. For example, solar cells work better at lower temperatures, as higher temperatures cause a decrease in voltage and a decrease in the amount of energy generated. Furthermore in the winter months the sun is in the sky for a shorter period of time so solar panels are tipped forward, however in the summer the sun is in the sky for a longer period of time so the panels are tipped back to allow for more sun exposure. People also need to clean the snow off the panels in the winter for it to generate more electricity.  

We installed solar panels at our house in the backyard almost ten years ago. We sell the power to the grid under the microFIT program, but this program is no longer available for new applicants with solar panels due to it having been canceled by the Ontario government. This will lead to fewer people installing solar panels and will therefore have a negative effect on the environment as more nonrenewable fuels will be used instead. 

Sources used:

Government of Canada, Canada Energy Regulator. “Canada Energy Regulator / Régie De L'énergie Du Canada.” CER, Canada Energy Regulator / Régie De L'énergie Du Canada, 29 Jan. 2021, www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-markets/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles-ontario.html#:~:text=In%202018%2C%20about%2096%25%20of,natural%20gas%2C%20with%20some%20biomass

 “7 Benefits of Using Solar Energy.” United Kingdom, www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/09/7-benefits-of-using-solar-energy 

“Solar Performance and Efficiency.” Energy.gov, www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-performance-and-efficiency#:~:text=Temperature%E2%80%94Solar%20cells%20generally%20work,much%20larger%20decrease%20in%20voltage

Woodford, Chris. “How Do Solar Cells Work?” Explain That Stuff, 15 Aug. 2020, www.explainthatstuff.com/solarcells.html#howd