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Renewable Energy: Solar Energy

What exactly is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is often a approach to convert light energy into electricity by using a device or medium that harnesses solar power. There are 2 approaches we are able to convert solar energy into electricity, we can either convert it passively or harvesting solar power with out the use of any mechanical device or actively by using a mechanical device. Get more details about Solar Energy Financing Companies

You can find 3 sorts of energy that the we are able to get in the sun:
Solar Light Energy. Photovoltaics is often a method to convert solar energy into electricity by gathering photons or the small packets of energy inside the sun's rays. We are able to use this type of energy to collect the light of the sun and use it to power the appliances inside our homes.
Solar panels convert light energy to electricity by implies of interconnected photovoltaic silicon(solar cells) arranged within a module or via an array.
For a solar panel to work, it can be installed to where the sun has most sufficient light inside your area. A solar panel only generates 12 volt of DC, consequently, an inverter is required to convert DC to AC. AC is an electric existing equal to 110/100/220 volt (depends on country) and this kind of voltage is needed to power up any appliances inside the home.
Advantage
- Less upkeep since it gathers electricity passively.
- Free source of fuel for energy gathering.
- Endless provide of fuel.
- Long operational life because it doesn't have any mechanical device that may put on and tear because of repeated operations.
- Saves electricity bill.
Disadvantage
- High initial cost. ROI might be accomplished in about 1 to 5 years.
- Should be installed on places exactly where 100% from the sun's light is accomplished. A cloudy location signifies a reduce in power output.
- Power can only gained during the day but we can install batteries to ensure that we can nonetheless use solar energy even when the sun just isn't up.
Solar Thermal Energy. Harnessing solar energy however it is converted to heat energy. Examples of which can be using the sun to warm a home's indoor environment, heat water or a swimming pool.
A solar thermal system is often a like a solar panel but it's target is to collect the sun's heat. As an alternative to mirrors and silicon solar panels, it uses a black colored panels with a heat collector and as opposed to creating electricity, it can be converted heat energy.
Benefit
- In contrast to solar panels, it does not need adequate solar light to gather solar energy.
- It really is used passively meaning significantly less upkeep compared to mechanical form of solar power systems.
- Endless supply of energy for the reason that the sun will not reduce nor deplete it is energy rate.
- Saves fuel and/or electricity required to heat a water or hold your indoor atmosphere warm.
Disadvantage
- Will only function through the day when the sun is increasing.
- Not advisable on shady or cloudy places.
- The initial expense is high but you will discover other options like recycling that can decrease the total initial expense.
Concentrated Solar Power. Concentrated Solar Power uses lenses or reflective mirrors to concentrate light energy into a compact region to create a really high temperature that powers boils the water and powers the steam turbine thereby producing electricity.
Concentrated solar power systems are not similar to solar panels even though it appears as if even though it can be using a solar panel but it will not be a solar panel but a reflective panel all aimed at a tower thereby creating heat high adequate to produce steam turbines work.
Solar cooking is an example of concentrated solar power. It uses a reflective cooker that gathers the sun's light and then aims it at a certain location to concentrate light consequently generate heat.
Concentrated Solar Power can also be used to produce electricity. A dish or even a parabolic trough could possibly be used on homes however they all require a larger space and for the reason that concentrated solar power uses steam in addition to a generator, but the downside is it may be also loud for neighbors.
Benefit
- Limitless fuel supply.
- Saves on electricity bill.
Disadvantage
- Too loud and not neighbor-friendly
- Also bulky if used at home, demands bigger space.
- Have to be on constant sunlight to acquire 100% power.
- Includes a mechanical device and uses water to generate electricity consequently demands additional maintenance.
- The sun is not obtainable at night.
Conclusion
Solar energy is free and renewable however its primary cost is higher. But when you consider carefully, the one time cost of solar panels for example is enough adequate to save you no less than 40% of the electricity consumption per month that should go on for years and years.
LEED, an internationally recognized green creating system rates a creating or perhaps a house that meets its requirements for becoming environment friendly and conserves energy. Together with your green aims, plus using each of the implies essential to save on electricity bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, it is a waste for those who usually do not get your home or constructing be LEED certified. Who knows you might get a LEED Platinum rating for the efforts.