In the advent of the global warming disaster, most people are looking towards alternative forms of energy sources to sustain their daily energy requirements. Devices and mechanisms such as wind turbines, solar PV panels, geothermal and hydroelectric systems serve this goal. These energy sources do not cause as much destruction to the environment as our currently primary energy source which is the burning of fossil fuels.
Solar Power is one alternative energy that is obtaining increasing recognition. It basically harnesses sunlight and uses it for domestic and commercial purposes. The industry for solar technology is forecasted to grow even more in the next few years since the sun’s power is free and does not require extreme harvesting procedures.
A Background on Solar Energy
Many years ago, man needed heat for warmth and for cooking which was why the sun was utilized. When more thorough research and testing was conducted, the full potential of the sun was found out.
In 1923, Albert Einstein was awarded a Nobel Prize for his theories that explained the solar PV or photovoltaic effect. Nevertheless, the first person to describe this effect was Charles Fritts in 1883. In photovoltaics, the reference is made on the sun (photo) and electricity (voltaic). This describes the effect when electricity is created from the sun through solar panels.
Common Applications of Solar Energy
Uses of solar energy in several ways and the most common are:
- Solar heating for pools
In the United States, solar heating for pools is by far the major use of this alternative energy. Thermal collectors, a circulation pump and flow control valves are utilised to heat large amounts of pool water.
- Solar water heating
The most concrete use of solar energy is through obtaining hot water throughIt is frequently used for domestic and commercial water heating. about ten per cent of households that use solar heating in China, reports Solar Energy Industries Association.
- Generation of Direct Current (DC) electricity
To power tiny devices such as calculators, laptops, MP3 players and mobile phones, solar PV cells are used to supply direct current electricity. Solar panels provide homes and offices with electricity and are made from solar cells.
- Generation of Alternating Current (AC) electricity
Concentrated heat from steam powers turbines which in turn generate AC electricity. This electricity may also be included in power grids to give electricity for residences, buildings and commercial areas.
It is apparent that solar energy is a technology of tomorrowAs a matter of fact, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom are some of the countries that give feed-in tariffs (FiTs) and incentives for those who use solar panels and solar heating systems. By visiting the solar supplier sourcing website, you may get free information and quotations on solar panels.
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