Solar Energy is a renewable energy strategy that converts the power of the sun into usable energy or electricity. There are multiple approaches available that can be used to harvest solar energy. The most well-known form of solar energy collection is through the use of Photovoltaic Processes. This is essentially when solar panels are used to collect from sunlight and convert this light into energy and electricity. This energy collected is stored in photovoltaic battery cells for later use. Another proven solar energy method is Solar Heating and Cooling, also known as SHC. In this approach, the thermal energy created by the sun is harvested and used to do things such as naturally heat water for later use. The third most common method of solar energy collection is known as Concentrating Solar Power (CSP). This very unique tactic uses mirrors to reflect the sunlight at a common point in the form of one strong light beam. This concentrated energy is focused on one key point which powers an engine that generates clean energy. There are numerous advantages to using solar energy. Solar energy generation and use creates little to no pollution, it greatly reduces or eliminates electricity bills for users, requires very little maintenance to keep up and running, and also, as the renewable energy industry blossoms, many new jobs will be created. However, there are minor issues with using solar energy, though. These disadvantages include a larger initial investment required, limiting energy generation window to only day time, and also that photovoltaic storage batteries are currently somewhat expensive and underdeveloped. 2. Solar Energy in Southern California Southern California is the ideal location for a large scale solar energy system. The region is consistently sunny and there are already multiple incentives in place for homeowners, businesses, and organizations to take advantage. Research conducted in Los Angeles has demonstrated that, even without incentives, the cost of solar vs traditional heating systems is actually comparable. Numerous cities in Southern California such as Camarillo, Hesperia, and Daggett are home to large scale solar energy systems. Camarillo in particular is host to a massive site that at one
In this modern fast paced world that we live in, there are many issues that are looked over, energy is one of these. As a world, we are dependant on dwindling fossil fuel supplies and take for granted electricity, oil, and gas. There are four completely renewable sources of energy around us that should be used and developed, they are: wind, growing plants, flowing water, and the sun. These sources of energy are the ones we should be tapping, because they are reliable and renewable. Harnessing the suns energy is the most certain and ultimate energy source. Looking at a brief history and some facts about solar energy, a glimpse of the future can be seen, a future not dependant on
A majority of farms and other businesses rely on fossil fuels to operate their facilities. Increasing production results in increasing fossil fuel use. Consequently, contributing to huge CO2 emissions that pollute the air. The topography of the Central Valley also contributes to worsening air quality, thus being labeled the Dust Bowl of California. The drought has made matters worse, by increasing electricity needs to run the irrigation system to water the crops. The combination of the drought poor air quality and increasing electric bills for companies has made the use of renewable energy a viable solution to these problems. Solar energy is an option that is well-suited for the region. To keep Agribusiness viable, business establishments have resorted to building their own solar panel grid to decrease their electric bill. Reduction in electricity bills is essential in keeping businesses profitable, as a consequence individuals have been able to keep their jobs. New and efficient PhotoVoltaic technology has made solar panels more lightweight and flexible. This has paved the way for thousands of households to avail of this technology. Different financing options and government incentives has helped increase the use of solar panels. To meet the increasing demand for solar panels has resulted in an exponential growth of new and established solar companies. As result, employment opportunities increased in solar energy industry along with construction, electrical and engineering companies. The use of solar panels contributes to the reduced carbon foot print of the region. The solar energy industry is cost efficient, accessible and contributes to economic growth. In conclusion, Solar Energy Power is the most appropriate renewable energy for the Central
Describe solar power. Explain in detail how the energy source is used to generate electricity
Relating to these alternative energy sources, solar energy gets processed through solar panels which get powered by
Harnessing solar energy is a viable method of energy production in the United States. J. Ndumbe Anyu is a professor of Public Administration and Public Policy for the School of Business and Public Administration at the University of the District of Colombia. In a scientific journal he wrote regarding using solar energy in the Sahara Desert, he stated, “The amount of energy the sun pours on the earth surface is more than what the world needs” (Anyu 56). The sun is essentially a giant ball of energy that radiates its energy out in the form of heat and light. This energy could be harnessed using solar panels and be converted into electrical energy to power homes, or even cities. While this may not be viable for all cities in the United States, as some parts of the country experience very cloudy seasons, a substantial number of cities receive more than enough sunlight to meet energy needs. Opponents to using solar energy would say it is expensive to implement solar panels into neighborhoods or cities, and therefore expensive to utilize solar energy. In an article titled “Solar Industry Facts and Figures”, the Solar Energy Industries Association stated, “The cost to
The use of solar power is currently gaining popularity in various areas and fields. Typically the solar energy is captured and then converted into electricity through photovoltaic cells. There are various areas that currently use solar power these include; in water pumping, this is commonly used in developing countries where the solar energy is harnessed and used in pumping water in remote areas. The solar energy is also used to power off-grid desalination plants. Solar power is increasingly being used in the production of electricity for homes, schools and businesses. Another current use of solar power is in industries where it has been used to power TV and radio repeater stations. Solar power is also being used in residential homes as a source of heat. They use solar energy to heat water supplies and also swimming pools. There is also an increase in use of solar power in public transportation vehicles like trolleys, busses and light trains. There are also future plans for solar powered bus shelters development. Small gadgets like calculators and watches also use solar power since they require little energy (Anderson, 2012).
Solar energy explained straightforwardly is a method of which the suns’ rays are collected with panels, therefore harvesting solar energy and converting it into electricity.These panels work by implementing solar cells that these devices turn into energy protons. A. E. Becquerel was the first physicist to examine the “photovoltaic effect” in which light photons stimulate electrons to create an electric current. (SE) Solar panels are large black rectangular squares, which can be placed on the roof of most structures and occupy a minimal amount of space. The ramifications are reduced cost of
Solar energy is widely used and by continuous study because it has many advantages. First of all, it is inexhaustible renewable energy. The energy from the sun radiation is about 1.6x1023kw per second. The energy that reaches the earth approximately 8x1013kw per second. That’s equivalent of 6x109 tons of standard coal. And the life of the sun is at least 4 billion years left. Second solar is widely distributed, sunshine goes anywhere. whether land or sea, mountains or islands. The last reason, during the
current electricity. This source can be a possible solution to solve the energy crisis as well as the
Solar energy is experiencing a boom like no other. This year, it is forecasted to grow at an astonishing 119%, significantly higher than last year’s already impressive 17%. At the same time, expectations are for 14.5 gigawatts of solar power to be installed and surpass all others sources of new energy.
Sun : The sun is a renewable energy source, solar panels use the sun in order to transfer heat into electricity, then we use that electricity for our own purposes.
Solar energy is derived from the rays of the sun, as is evident from its name itself. Solar energy has numerous benefits for users. However, until recent years, this source of energy could be used only during the day. Presently though, the current technology enables individuals to effectively store and use solar power, even during the night. We would be discussing some of the major benefits of solar energy in this article.
Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture and artificial photosynthesis. The Solar energy as a kind of natural energy, with abundant and nonpolluting, shows its unique advantages and has been internationally recognized as one of the most competitive energy future. The application of solar energy has huge impacts on society.
The most common form of solar energy used today are photovoltaic solar panels, which absorb the sun’s light to create electricity. These solar panels can be attached to homes as a primary or secondary source of electric power. They can also be used for small appliances and machines which only need small amounts of electricity for use. Large scale photovoltaic panel plants have also been constructed to provide power to many homes.
Wind - Most wind turbines generate electricity from naturally occurring wind. Solar updraft towers use wind that is