An extremely hot planet orbiting a nearby star has been discovered. The exoplanet, called WASP-189 b, is bigger than Jupiter and has been seen as it transited in front of its host star by CHEOPS, the Compact Hunter Exoplanet Opportunity Pathfinder.
Its mass is 22.7 Earths and its orbital distance from its star is 0.137 AU, which means that it’s far enough away to be inhospitable. But that’s not the only unusual thing about this planet — it also has some interesting traits.
What is Solar Power?
Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV) or indirectly through concentrated solar power (CSP). PV systems use photovoltaic cells to convert light into an electric current.
Concentrated solar power uses lenses, mirrors and solar tracking systems to focus sunlight into a small beam. The heat of this beam is used to operate a boiler that creates steam that turns turbines, which in turn generate electricity.
The resulting energy is then stored in batteries, which are often used as back-ups to ensure operations continue even on cloudy days or in regions where there is less sun. In some cases, such as solar farms, the resulting electricity is fed directly into the grid, though in most domestic installations it goes through a net metering system to receive bill credits for any excess power produced.
Solar energy is a renewable resource that can be used for a wide range of applications. It is also a cost-effective way to reduce your energy bill and improve the health of the environment.
Solar Panels
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaics, are used to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity that can be stored in a battery or sent back to the grid. They’re an affordable way to produce clean energy and can help you save on your electric bill.
There are many different types of solar panels. The most efficient are monocrystalline solar cells, which contain a single crystal of silicon that absorbs the sun’s light and produces electricity.
Polycrystalline solar cells, on the other hand, contain several crystals of silicon melded together. While they’re less efficient than monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline solar cells can be more affordable thanks to a streamlined manufacturing process.
There are two main methods of installation for solar panels: rooftop and ground-mounted. The former involves mounting the panel to your roof and racking it to the proper angle. The latter uses tracking systems that follow the sun’s path throughout the day and night to maximize your power production.
Solar Panel Installation
Solar panels are a great way to save on energy costs. But, they require professional installation to ensure that the system is working properly.
When deciding whether to install solar panels yourself or hire a professional, consider the size of your home and how much electricity you consume. Then, calculate how many panels you need to cover your home’s consumption.
Once you have this information, you can calculate how much solar panel installation will cost. You can also use solar energy incentives and rebates to reduce your costs.
Depending on how you want to pay for your solar energy system, you can purchase your panels upfront or use a financing option such as a loan or lease/PPA. The most popular choice is to pay for the panels with cash, which will give you the highest return on investment.
Rooftop solar uses panels to harness the sun’s rays and power your home, garage or other buildings on your property. Ground-mounted solar is another option that puts panels wherever the best conditions are on your property.
Solar Panel Maintenance
Solar panels are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, but this doesn’t mean they don’t need regular maintenance. Rain, dirt, and debris can cause damage to solar panels and affect their performance.
Similarly, snow and ice can accumulate on solar panels and reduce their efficiency. They can also make the cells more susceptible to heat and moisture, leading to micro-cracks that can lead to malfunctions.
In addition to regular cleaning, annual inspections are a good way to catch any issues before they develop into larger problems. You can schedule these checks with your provider.
A good inspector will check for signs of corrosion, loose wiring and bolts, and broken glass. They can also point out if there’s a tree branch or other obstruction that could block sunlight from your system.