We all look up to solar energy as a sustainable, renewable, and clean power solution. And yes, the world promotes it that way, encouraging everyone to adopt it. Of course, solar energy has every attribute to help make the earth greener. However, let’s be honest and face the reality. The sun doesn’t shine all the time.
So, how do you deal with the situation? We’ve all heard about hydrogen. But ever wondered if it can prove to be a trustworthy element complementing solar energy? Most of us haven’t. We are yet to reach there! But the fact is solar + hydrogen – a magical match made in heaven, is already a reality. Hydrogen can step in and compensate for the energy when the sun takes a break.
Let’s explore more about this alliance and see why it is the next-gen power solution.
Key Takeaways
- Solar + hydrogen is a more sustainable solution.
- Hydrogen can be stored and transported with minimal hassles.
- Challenges like fuel cell efficiency, transportation safety, and infrastructure needs will have to be addressed at the global level.
- Technological advancements are underway to make fuel cells more efficient.
- Large companies are collaborating to make it mainstream and regular.
Solar Hydrogen Fuel Cell – What is it?
At the outset, let’s understand what a solar hydrogen fuel cell is.
It converts the energy from the sun’s rays into hydrogen and later uses the hydrogen to power a fuel cell. It refers to 100% hydrogen production from renewable sources.
During the first stage, the process uses solar panels and an electrolyzer.
Solar panels capture the sun’s energy and transform it into an electrical current that fuels an electrolyzer. Later, the electrolyzer passes an electrical current through pure water, separating it into hydrogen and oxygen.
Hydrogen is easily storable and transportable in gas form through shipping tankers.
Now, during the final stage, the process involves a fuel cell to convert the hydrogen into electricity, thus forming the solar-hydrogen energy cycle.
Why Solar + Hydrogen?
Solar energy is clean, abundant, and affordable. However, it is intermittent. Solar panels can be used during the daytime, but the energy stays dormant during the nighttime.
Lithium-ion batteries can help store excess energy produced during the day. But they aren’t devoid of limitations like degradation, ecological impact, and supply chain challenges.
Some key advantages of combining solar and hydrogen include;
- Zero Emissions: Water is the only byproduct of hydrogen fuel cells. Hence, the solution is entirely green when you combine it with solar power.
- Grid Independence: Combining solar and hydrogen helps reduce dependence on traditional power grids, enhancing energy security.
- Long-Term Storage: You can store hydrogen for weeks and months. Hence, it refers to a reliable and stable energy supply.
- Scalability: You can employ hydrogen storage solutions across various scales. So, from residential setups to massive grid-level applications, you can use them to various extents.
- Decarbonization: By using renewable energy like solar to produce hydrogen, you can create a clean energy cycle, reducing greenhouse emissions.
The Hydrogen Powered Future!
Is this solution free from challenges? No. Some common concerns include the cost of producing and storing oxygen, the efficiency of the solar-hydrogen fuel cycle, robust infrastructure requirements, and handling safety. However, despite these challenges, one cannot discount the productivity and benefits of solar + hydrogen. Companies worldwide are working ceaselessly to overcome challenges and drive changes that include;
- Technological Advancements: Many companies are driving innovations in fuel cells, electrolyzers, and hydrogen storage materials to curtail costs and enhance efficiency.
- Collaborations: Solar developers and hydrogen technology providers are expediting the deployment of such solutions with energy companies.
- Government Support: On the other hand, governments are also realizing the significance and transformative role of hydrogen in the clean energy transition. Accordingly, they are devising policies to drive developments in this space.
EnerTech, one of the leading providers and promoters of solar energy systems, is driving innovations within this space as part of its vision to make sustainability goals a reality.
The company indulges in continuous research and development across the solar energy space, combining it with different elements, including hydrogen for the betterment of the world and to make a greener place to live.
Want to know more? Email us at sales@enertechups.com and connect with our specialists to navigate the realities and wonders that solar + hydrogen can drive.
