There are three basic approaches how we can use this form of green energy source namely passive, active and by using photo-voltaic cells.
1. When we refer to passive solar energy, nothing is converted. What happens is the building’s design helps avoid heat loss and gets the most out of day lighting.
Such a technique can also be used in homes because studies have shown that this can reduce the heating requirements by as much as 80% with minimal cost. This means you don’t have to turn on the air condition or heater that often and if everyone does that, we don’t consume that much electricity which we get from non-renewable resources.
2. The second approach which is active solar energy is the first way of converting sunlight into heat. You should know that there are certain limits to this one and all it can do is make sure you have hot water.
3. The third approach is the big scale version and it can power an office or an entire home. This is done with the help of solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity. The smallest ones around can be seen in calculators and watches with large ones planted over huge acres of land.
The only limitation to this green energy source is the fact that it can only generate 100% power when the weather is good and the sun is out. On a cloudy or rainy day, the average solar panel will produce only in between 10-25% of their rated capacity. When this happens, the auxiliary system can be turned on until the weather improves.
Despite that, scientists and students themselves have made solar powered cars. NASA or the National Aeronautical Space Administration has sent satellites into space that are powered by solar panels. A fully functional airport can function on its own thanks to solar power even if it is situated in the middle of the frozen desert.
A quick video on how solar energy works and what goes on inside a solar panel:
So people can see the awesome power of solar energy, did you know a kilowatt of solar energy can produce 5.5 hours of electricity per day. If you have more solar cells in place, naturally you will be able to produce enough power to last several days.
Solar energy is just one form of green energy source around. Through the years, we have learned to tap other resources and these examples include wind power, geothermal energy, hydroelectricity and biogas. These are all safe and by using these more often, we don’t need to depend on oil and other non-renewable resources.
Related articles:
http://peace-in-mind-now.blogspot.com/2010/07/astrology-and-solar-eclipse-what-does.html
http://peace-in-mind-now.blogspot.com/2011/08/solar-storm-2011-just-beginning.html
