Solar Energy – Why it’s important

Sun, the magnificent ruler of the solar system has a lot to offer to its favorite planet, the earth in the form of solar energy. The earth is the only planet in the solar system that is perfectly placed to receive energy from the sun which is optimum to sustain life. The others planets are either too cold or too hot. The solar energy is one of the many sources of renewable energy that have gained significance in the past few decades in the context of diminishing non renewable sources such as coal, petroleum, kerosene etc.

A measure of an infinite stock

Of the total solar energy that reaches the earth, about 30 percent is reflected back and the rest is absorbed by rivers, oceans and other processes on the earth’s surface. This absorption by the various water surface of the earth gives rise to the life supporting water cycle on our planet.

Uses of Solar energy                                                                         

Solar energy is fast becoming a crucial part of our daily process. Solar energy is being converted to electrical energy by solar panels and is then being used to power many electrical appliances in homes and offices across the globe.

There are specially designed solar cookers which function only in daylight. These cookers capture the sun’s energy to convert it into heat energy that can be used in cooking and heating common food items. These solar cookers are also being used for boiling water, drying foodstuffs and pasteurization of milk. These cookers can achieve temperatures ranging from 90 to 150 degree Celsius.

The solar panels are also being used to harness the solar energy into heat energy and then use this heat in water heating systems such as solar geysers in colder regions.

Energy Storage

The sun’s energy is not available at night and this makes it necessary to store the solar energy for future use. The methods are various and new ones are everyday invented. This shows mankind’s desperate need to fix major ecological imbalances.