Solar power has grown tremendously owing to its clean energy nature. The infinite source of power emits minimal greenhouse gases. For instance, an average American household is responsible for the release of 14,920 pounds of carbon dioxide annually by using approximately 957-kilowatt hours of non-renewable energy monthly. However, solar panels cut the carbon dioxide emission by 3,000 pounds yearly.
Moreover, solar power generation helps cut down electricity bills. All these beneficial features of the clean energy have encouraged the growth of solar manufacturers. Statista provides a record of the revenue of the major solar companies in 2016. You can view the graph below. It exhibits the growth of the major players in the solar industry.
At the same time, technological advancements aren’t under wraps. In fact, the feats achieved by tech stand in the limelight across a broad array of industries. These include progress in the healthcare field, renewable energy, the fashion industry, and so on.
The solar industry has also employed technological development to its advantage. In fact, it is by means of these technological advancements that the solar industry has grown by leaps and bounds.
Here is an in-depth look at how solar companies have harnessed the potential of technology to become more efficient:
Solar companies use tech to boost the efficiency of solar panels
A company thrives on the basis of a unique product. This holds true in the case of solar companies too. Solar initiatives either install solar panels or provide the panels themselves. Typically, such solar panels can convert less than 14% of the sun’s energy that reaches them, which is pretty inefficient.
The story doesn’t end here though. Solar manufacturers are actively using new technology to boost the efficiency of solar panels. A case in point is SunPower that has enhanced the efficiency of their photovoltaic system from the market average of 14% to 22%.
Presently, further advancements in solar power tech are in the pipeline. Such innovative tech can increase the efficiency of solar panels by about 50%. It does so by combining semiconductor panels. For the time being, however, such tech is limited.
Solar industry utilizes technology for developing solar tracking mounts
Another factor concerning maximizing the efficiency of solar panels is their positioning in respect to the sun. In this regard, a key tip is to make sure that the panels are directly facing the sun throughout the day. Tech plays a significant role in this context too.
Solar companies have come up with ground-mounted solar tech that tracks the movement of the panels. In doing so, the PV tracking system increases electricity production by moving the panels in the direction of the sun.
Put simply, the trackers tilt and shift the solar array’s angle so that it is facing the sun. Solar manufacturers are increasingly embracing this tech since 2016. A GTM report confirms a 254% upward trend in the tracking system’s popularity.
Solar ventures are employing tech to boost solar panel designs
When it comes to solar installation, a major turnoff for homeowners is the appearance of the solar system. Solar companies are, however, not letting that become an obstacle to their growth. To this end, the industry is utilizing the potential tech.
An inspirational example can be drawn from a Boston-based design firm, Sistine Solar. The venture works for enhancing the aesthetic enhancement of the solar panels to give them a customized look. The startup has designed a “solar skin” that makes the solar panels look like a roof without negatively impacting their efficacy.
Likewise, Tesla’s chief executive, Elon Musk is also working on creating revolutionary solar roof tiling. These tiles will come in a broad range of shapes and sizes and will generate electricity.
Solar manufacturers are using tech to create floating solar farms
The solar industry is also enthusiastic about saving precious space. Consequently, the concept of floating solar farms has surfaced. Ciel & Terre International, a French solar company, has developed the Hydrelio Floating PV system. It allows the installation of PV panels on water bodies like ponds, quarry lakes, and canals.
The company initiated work on this project in 2011. Its product is increasingly gaining prominence for its features of simplicity, easy installation, and economical pricing. Such innovative tech offers extensive benefits for water-intensive industries.
Solar initiatives use tech to develop innovative solar storage batteries
Since the sun rises only during the day, the concept of solar storage and off-grid solar has attracted sufficient attention. Consequently, the solar industry hasn’t missed a beat concerning the development of solar storage. This is where tech comes into the picture again.
Take solar famous, Tesla Powerwall, for instance. It worked on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and launched them in 2015. Since then, it has led the market by offering solar batteries.
Solar companies use tech for boosting their services
Solar ventures also use tech to maximize their marketing endeavors and services. As an example, we have the scoop.solar mobile software. The application allows solar companies to boost their sales. It also allows companies to monitor the maintenance work and performance of their solar products at their customers’ end.
What’s more, the app streamlines all the data concerning the installation of a PV system. This boosts the efficiency of the solar providers. Scoop.solar pulls data together to create personalized reports for clients too. Therefore, enhancing the service delivery on the part of the manufacturers, making them more efficient. Companies such as Sigora Solar and Max Solar reap the benefits of this application.
Wrap up thoughts
All these examples show how solar companies are becoming more efficient with the use of tech. The manufacturers use tech to boost the efficiency of PV systems, store surplus solar power in batteries, and boost the looks of the system too. Solar ventures have also employed technological advancements for swelling sales and services.
Plus, technological progress promotes the growth of convenient PV systems such as the floating solar farms initiative too. In this way, the industry has grown significantly with the help of tech.