Renewable Energy: Solar Energy
What’s Solar Energy?
Solar energy can be a technique to convert light energy into electricity by using a device or medium that harnesses solar power. You can find 2 techniques we are able to convert solar energy into electricity, we can either convert it passively or harvesting solar power without the usage of any mechanical device or actively by using a mechanical device. Get extra info about Solar Energy Financing Companies
You will find 3 types of energy that the we can get in the sun:
Solar Light Energy. Photovoltaics is a technique to convert solar energy into electricity by gathering photons or the little packets of energy inside the sun’s rays. We are able to use this kind of energy to gather the light in the sun and use it to power the appliances inside our homes.
Solar panels convert light energy to electricity by signifies of interconnected photovoltaic silicon(solar cells) arranged inside a module or via an array.
To get a solar panel to work, it is installed to exactly where the sun has most sufficient light within your region. A solar panel only generates 12 volt of DC, for that reason, an inverter is needed to convert DC to AC. AC is an electric current equal to 110/100/220 volt (depends on nation) and this type of voltage is necessary to power up any appliances inside the home.
Advantage
– Significantly less upkeep since it gathers electricity passively.
– Free source of fuel for energy gathering.
– Endless supply of fuel.
– Long operational life since it does not have any mechanical device that might wear and tear on account of repeated operations.
– Saves electricity bill.
Disadvantage
– High initial price. ROI might be achieved in about 1 to 5 years.
– Must be installed on locations where 100% from the sun’s light is accomplished. A cloudy location indicates a reduce in power output.
– Power can only gained through the day but we can install batteries so that we are able to nevertheless use solar energy even when the sun isn’t up.
Solar Thermal Energy. Harnessing solar energy however it is converted to heat energy. Examples of that is using the sun to warm a home’s indoor environment, heat water or possibly a swimming pool.
A solar thermal system is usually a like a solar panel but it really is purpose is usually to collect the sun’s heat. Instead of 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.
Advantage
– In contrast to solar panels, it does not need adequate solar light to gather solar energy.
– It really is used passively which means significantly less maintenance in comparison to mechanical type of solar power systems.
– Endless supply of energy since the sun doesn’t lower nor deplete it’s energy rate.
– Saves fuel and/or electricity required to heat a water or maintain your indoor atmosphere warm.
Disadvantage
– Will only function during the day when the sun is rising.
– Not advisable on shady or cloudy places.
– The initial expense is higher but there are other options like recycling that could lower the total initial cost.
Concentrated Solar Power. Concentrated Solar Power uses lenses or reflective mirrors to concentrate light energy into a smaller area to generate a very high temperature that powers boils the water and powers the steam turbine thereby producing electricity.
Concentrated solar power systems aren’t equivalent to solar panels although it seems as if though it truly is using a solar panel however it is not a solar panel but a reflective panel all aimed at a tower thereby generating heat higher enough 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 then aims it at a certain location to concentrate light for that reason generate heat.
Concentrated Solar Power can also be used to generate electricity. A dish or perhaps a parabolic trough can be used on homes however they all demand a larger space and since concentrated solar power uses steam and also a generator, however the downside is it could be also loud for neighbors.
Benefit
– Limitless fuel source.
– Saves on electricity bill.
Disadvantage
– As well loud and not neighbor-friendly
– Too bulky if used at home, demands larger space.
– Ought to be on constant sunlight to obtain 100% power.
– Has a mechanical device and uses water to create electricity thus calls for a lot more upkeep.
– The sun just isn’t offered at evening.
Conclusion
Solar energy is free and renewable having said that its primary expense is high. But for those who assume meticulously, the one time cost of solar panels as an example is adequate adequate to save you at least 40% of one’s electricity consumption monthly that could go on for many years and years.
LEED, an internationally recognized green developing system rates a creating or a house that meets its standards for being atmosphere friendly and conserves energy. With your green aims, plus using each of the signifies necessary to save on electricity bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, it’s a waste in the event you don’t get your home or developing be LEED certified. Who knows you could get a LEED Platinum rating for your efforts.
