Solar farms

What is solar energy?

Solar energy is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the sun’s rays to produce electricity, heat or even cooling. It is one of the most abundant energy resources on Earth and can be used in a variety of technologies to meet a range of energy needs.

How does it work?

Solar panels are made up of semiconductor cells. When exposed to sunlight, the electrons in the upper layer of the semiconductors are displaced to the lower layer, creating a potential difference that is then used like a battery to generate an electric current. The panel is connected to an inverter, which receives a continuous, variable signal that it converts into alternating current. This current is then fed into the grid or directly into batteries if there is no connection to the grid.

The advantages of solar energy:

  • Renewable and abundant: The sun provides a virtually inexhaustible source of energy, with potential far exceeding our global needs. Every hour, the Earth receives enough solar radiation to cover the world’s energy demand for an entire year.
  • Reduced CO2 emissions: Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy does not emit greenhouse gases during use. This makes it a key solution in the fight against climate change.
  • Energy independence: By using solar energy, consumers can reduce their dependence on traditional electricity grids and fossil fuels, particularly in areas where access to electricity is limited.

Solar applications:

  • Residential installations: Photovoltaic panels can be installed on roofs to generate electricity for homes. This reduces electricity bills while using clean energy.
  • Large-scale solar power plants: Solar farms, with thousands of panels, enable large-scale electricity production and feed it into the national grid. They are often located in areas with strong and constant sunlight.
  • Self-consumption and storage: Combined with battery systems, solar energy now makes it possible to store the electricity produced for later use, particularly at night or on cloudy days. This increases users’ energy independence.

 

solar

FAQ

The most common type of solar panel, made from crystalline silicon, does not require rare metals. Silicon, which makes up most of the panel, is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust. However, thin-film panels, such as those using cadmium telluride or indium gallium, contain rarer materials. These panels account for only 5% of the market.

Solar panels are more than 90% recyclable. Glass, which makes up a large part of the panel, as well as metals such as aluminium (frame), are easily recyclable. The silicon in the cells can also be reused in the manufacture of new panels. In Europe, specific recycling channels have been set up, notably under the impetus of the European WEEE Directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), which requires the recycling of panels at the end of their life.

Yes, solar panels continue to produce electricity on cloudy days or in winter, but their efficiency is lower. This is because photovoltaic panels capture sunlight (not heat), so as long as there is light, they will work. However, in winter, the days are shorter and the sunlight is less intense, which can reduce production by 30 to 50% compared to a sunny summer day.

The environmental impact of solar panels is mainly linked to their manufacture, in particular the production of photovoltaic cells, which requires energy and resources. However, over their entire life cycle (production, use, recycling), solar panels emit between 20 and 40 g of CO2 per kWh produced, compared to more than 400 g for coal-fired power plants. After approximately 2 to 3 years of use, a solar panel has already offset the energy required for its manufacture.

In general, solar panels, whether installed on roofs or in ground-mounted power plants, have a limited impact on biodiversity. However, ground-mounted solar power plants can affect the local ecosystem if they are poorly located (sensitive natural areas). To limit this impact, environmental impact studies are carried out before each project, and measures such as installing hedges or planting specific vegetation can be implemented. In addition, some solar power plants allow animals such as sheep to graze between the rows of panels.

After 25 to 30 years of operation, a solar power plant can be partially or completely renewed depending on the condition of the equipment. The panels, inverters and other components can be recycled or replaced with more efficient equipment (repowering). The site must then be restored, which includes dismantling the structures and rehabilitating the land, often for agricultural or other uses.

Although Africa accounts for 18% of the world's population, it represents barely 3% of global electricity consumption. The average electrification rate on the continent is 40% of the African population, but barely 23% in rural areas.

The African continent enjoys exceptional sunshine, with between 2,000 and 3,500 hours of sunshine per year depending on the region. By way of comparison, France enjoys between 1,500 and 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, also depending on the region.

Given the population's need for electricity and the amount of sunshine, it seemed much more logical to us to offer this technology in Africa.