Posts Tagged ‘solar energy’

Solar energy has been around for years and years; it is a source of energy that is renewable and environmentally friendly.

What is solar energy? Well, solar energy is a form of power that is produced by the sun. The sun puts out enough energy that could power the world for an eternity. The reason it is classed as renewable is for the fact that it will be around for as long as the sun is, which has been estimated to be for another 4.5 billion years. Studies have also shown that it is a clean energy source as it does not product pollutants that are harmful to our environment.

Solar energy is believed to be the first energy source used by mankind and the power source started being used in the early 1950s, however due to lack of technology at the time it was ineffective and expensive. As we move into the future, solar energy is looking very positive, with scientists creating things such as solar quantum dots that are mixed with paint, which means your house will be covered in solar energy panels that will eventual power your home.

How is solar energy produced, well it is through solar cells. For these solar cells to work they need to be placed in direct sunlight, as the sun hits these cells it creates a chemical reaction that gives you solar power or electricity.

Solar energy is placed into two categories, passive and active solar. They both do the same thing but differently. Passive solar doesn’t require panel systems; it is about for example placing your home in the right position so that your windows, tank etc capture the sun allowing it to heat your home. Active solar systems involve solar panels. The panels are positioned so that they receive maximum sunlight, the panels then turn the sunlight into electricity, which is then transformed so it can be stored into batteries or other grid systems.

Solar energy has so many benefits in that it requires minimal maintenance, no pollution and if you use it in your home many governments offer you a tax rebate. Solar energy also has its disadvantages. Firstly the cost, it can be expensive to set up and also if you live in an area that does not get much sunlight then it really will not be beneficial, also it obviously does not work at night.

Currently the largest producers of solar energy are Japan, Germany and America, which is fantastic as they are 3 of the biggest economies as well. Many other countries are really showing an interest and trying to look after the earth.