So What Is Solar Power Anyway?

Posted: Sep 03, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

More and more homes, offices and devices are now relying on solar power as people are becoming more aware of the potential dangers of other unnatural sources of power. It is important that you know more about the idea to determine if it is the best option for you. Solar power can render several benefits for the long term. You can take advantage of the features by choosing the right type and maximizing the effect right in your own home.

About Solar

Solar power at its basic is energy created from sunlight. The power can be generated directly from the suns light with the use of photo voltaics, or indirectly with what's known as concentrated solar power. This is when sunlight is concentrated on a focal point, and the heat generated boils water that turns turbines and generates electricity. Solar power has the potential to generate many thousands of times the total world output of energy. Yet in 2009 only accounted for 0.02% of the total electricity produced worldwide.

Solar power could end up being the worlds dominant source of electricity by the end of this century if output could just be doubled every two and a half years. The largest solar power plants are of the concentrated solar variety. But technology is improving and its now possible to create photo voltaic plants that produce many mega watts. Portugal and Germany have both invested huge amounts of money in photo voltaic (PV) plants and are the worlds leaders in solar energy production.

More Solar Power

Terrestrial solar power is a predictable and intermittent source of energy, which means even though solar power is not readily available all the time, people can still predict it using a certain degree of accuracy when the energy source will or will not be available. A number of technologies, like the solar thermal concentrators, include an element of thermal storage, such as molten salts.

Predictability is removed from the equation when we start talking about orbital solar collection. The sun always shines in space. And the intensity of sunlight above our atmosphere makes this type of collection many times more efficient.

About Solar Energy

Humans have long used forms of solar energy. Secondary sources of solar power such as hydroelectric, wind, wave and biomass comprise the majority of our solar energy usage. Only a fraction of the vast available solar energy we receive is ever used.

In order to produce solar power we currently rely on photo voltaic cells and heat type engines. How we use solar power is only limited by the human imagination. Some of the many uses of solar power are architecture designed for heating and cooling, solar hot water, cooking with solar, solar water distillation and disinfection, and many more. But the most effective way to harness the suns limitless energy is still the use of solar panels.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/so-what-is-solar-power-anyway-3196831.html

    Article Tags:

    solar power

    ,

    solar

    ,

    energy

    ,

    power

    ,

    sun

    ,

    solar panels

    Solar power and wind energy are both renewable energy sources and both would help you to offset your carbon footprint. However choosing which option is right for you is critical since they both require large amounts of investment, and practicality and end results should always be an important consideration.

    By: premier solarl Home Improvement> Constructionl Aug 09, 2011
    mark tomabang

    Environmental compatibility is a huge selling point for converting to solar electricity. The fuel for generating solar electricity is a free renewable resource, the sun. Solar electricity offers no noise pollution and actually almost no pollution from their operation.

    By: mark tomabangl News and Society> Naturel Jul 22, 2010
    Bret Parker

    Bret Parker comprehensive manuals and Video construction plans: >How to make do it yourself residential home made build diy solar power panels to create home solar power electricity. Information how to build a complete renewable energy home solar power system. ADD home made build wind power turbine generator

    By: Bret Parkerl Home Improvement> DIYl Aug 16, 2009

    We've used the sun for drying clothes and food for thousands of years now, but it's only quite recently that we've been able to use it for generating power.

    By: Juanl Technologyl Nov 07, 2011

    For hundreds of years countless people on Earth have worshipped the sun in one way or another. This is not hard to understand if you consider the truth that we all could very well not live without it. Certainly, there is no power source as immediately accessible or even available as that offered by the sun.

    By: shane greenl Home Improvement> Remodelingl Nov 09, 2010

    Solar Energy Power has become the lead on the subject of alternative energy. Solar companies are increasingly being constructed over the world. The reason? Due to the fact we can no longer count with old age energy sources which include fossil fuel,oil, gasoline as well as wood to suit each of our ever increasing energy demands.

    By: shane greenl Home Improvement> Remodelingl Jan 07, 2011

    Everyone loves a good party, but clearing up afterwards is not so fun. Preparing for the party in advance can make all the difference.

    By: Edward Russelll Home Improvement> DIYl Jun 03, 2012

    Removing black mold can be a daunting process, especially knowing that it is a highly toxic and potentially life threatening mold. That is why its important to arm yourself with the right knowledge before you undertake a mold removal job yourself, this article is the perfect place to start.

    By: Nathan Rossiterl Home Improvement> DIYl May 29, 2012

    From 06/04/12, Commercial Solar planning permission will no longer be required on non-domestic buildings for installations of Solar PV (upto 50kWp electricity) and Solar Thermal (upto 45 kilowatts thermal).

    By: Nick hoylel Home Improvement> DIYl May 29, 2012

    Whenever someone talks about energy savings, then the first things that come to mind are televisions, refrigerators, dishwashers and computers etc.

    By: Gail Harperl Home Improvement> DIYl May 29, 2012

    Home maintenance and DIY are satisfying tasks that can save you thousands of pounds. But when it comes to improving you home, you want to be sure that you are using the very best materials. It's often a false economy to try and save money by using sub-standard goods, but they will not live up to the time and effort you have put into installing them.

    By: Zoe Robinsonl Home Improvement> DIYl May 29, 2012

    Growth in the pay for dialysis technician's will grow over the coming years. In the foreseeable future the growth in the medical field when it comes to specialists will continue to be in need due to the increasing average age across the country. If you are the type who makes others feel better, and have a gift of lifting the spirits of the down trodden, then you will do very well in this career.

    By: steven swihartl Careers> Career Managementl Nov 03, 2011

    Why not look into becoming a registered nurse? Nurses don't have to worry about finding a job, employers are continuously advertising new or unfilled jobs. Among the many registered nurse benefits, the job security alone is one of the most appealing. Especially in this recession.

    By: steven swihartl Careers> Career Managementl Nov 03, 2011

    Want to become an RN? Then chances are you will do what most do and get your associates degree to get started as a registered nurse. Others may opt for a diploma program where you actually do all of your classes and clinicals at the hospital that offers the diploma. The diploma program usually takes a minimum of three years. A diploma program meets the basic educational requirements to be a registered nurse.

    By: steven swihartl Careers> Career Managementl Nov 03, 2011

    If you're interested in becoming a traveling nurse, you've probably heard a lot of different things about what you can expect from your travel nurse salary. Most of the hospitals, small and large, in large population areas will always have a need to compliment there nursing staff by using agencies to fill their open positions. Talking with several nurse placement companies will be the only way to find out what the going pay rates for the traveling nurse are.

    By: steven swihartl Careers> Career Managementl Nov 03, 2011

    Getting money for college you aren't required to pay back is wonderful, and that's where government grants come into play. The cost of your education can be partly offset by obtaining an educational grant from the government. Grants are meant to be used for college related expenses such as tuition, books, housing and travel.

    By: steven swihartl Education> College and Universityl Sep 12, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast