Solar energy is the energy from the sun. There are two types of solar energies, thermal solar energy and electric solar energy. The solar energy virtually supports life on earth.
Solar energy is also referred to as solar power, but solar power is a term more commonly used to specify the conversion of sunlight to electricity.
A solar panel is a device that converts the sunlight/solar energy into electricity. It is visible if you know where to look. A solar panel is put on the roof of the homes or the offices. Easy money can be earned by becoming a self sufficient power company. There are solar hot water panels that can also be used to heat water at homes. More solar panels can be added in the future easily when the family grows.
As the fossil fuels are being depleted people are thinking of alternatives. The solar powered cars obtain their fuel from the sun. The solar powered cars have hundreds of photovoltaic cells. These photovoltaic cells convert the sunlight into electricity. The special engine of the car is in turn run by that electricity. These cars are as yet not in the market and are in the experimental stages.
Solar energy is also used to heat the homes. This can be done in two ways, passive or active. Passive solar powered houses are built in open areas with big windows facing the sun to avail full advantage of the sun. Whereas active solar powered homes directly turn the energy of the sun into electricity using the photovoltaic cells.
Solar heating uses the energy of the sun to provide thermal energy that is used for heating pools, hot water and for space heating. The use of solar water heaters reduces the amount of fossil fuels required to heat the water. A solar water heater is also known as a domestic solar hot water system and is a cost effective method to obtain hot water for home usage. By using solar heating not only money is saved but it’s also a step forward in the individual role played in the preservation of natural gas and the decrease of air pollution.
A solar light uses solar cells in a direct manner. A single solar cell produces around 0.45 volts on the average and the amount of current that it produces depends on the size of the solar cells and the amount of light striking the surface. The solar lights are used for commercial purposes and are used for lighting street lights, park lights and to illuminate paths. Though if desired they can also be used for residential purposes.
Solar energy also helps in cooking. Food can be cooked, dried and pasteurized with a solar cooker. Solar cookers help reduce air pollution and are cost effective. Furthermore solar ovens are also available for simple cooking. A solar oven helps to cook and re heat food. You can even make your at home solar oven.
Not only has there been a significant increase in the use of solar energy in different walks of life but huge sums of capital investments have also been made in the solar industry. Solar energy helps save money, is low maintenance and environment friendly. As the need to preserve the limited energy reserves is growing solar energy is being used as a popular alternative. The current demand for solar energy surpasses its demand.