Ecology Solutions - solar power

Solar Energy

Solar energy has been harnessed by human kind for various reasons even since ancient times and the technology has been evolving greatly since then. There are so many ways in which solar energy could be harnessed and used for a multitude of purposes. The Solar energy is readily available and only a tiny fragment of the available energy is being harnessed right now.

The Solar energy from the sun can be harnessed in two ways:
1. Thermal energy (heat from sun)
2. Light energy

Usually the thermal energy of the sun is harnessed for heating purposes for businesses and homes. There are various products available in the market that uses solar thermal energy and are often referred to as solar thermal collectors. It can also be used to generate electricity by converting the thermal energy into mechanical energy.

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The solar energy collector converts the radiant energy from the sun into heat based on the phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. The solar energy passes through a layer of glazed glasses under which it is absorbed by an absorbing material; it excites the molecules of the material thus generating heat. This heat is prevented from escaping by the glazing on the glass.

The light energy from the sun is used to generate electricity and for this purpose a device known as a solar panel is used. It uses a photovoltaic system that converts light energy into electricity.

Solar energy is not only used to produce electrical energy; sometimes photo luminescent devices are used that store the light energy from the sun and emit it later on during power interruptions. They are also referred to as self-luminous devices.

Based on how solar energy is converted into useful energy, solar energy can be categorized into two types:
1. Active Solar energy: Active Solar energy refers to the use of mechanical devices in the process of converting the solar energy into useful energy in all stages of collection, storage and distribution. Example: Water heating system at home, space heating, etc.

2. Passive Solar energy: Passive Solar energy refers to use of solar energy that does not involve the use of any mechanical device. Example: passive solar heating, day lighting etc.

Though solar power can be quite unreliable, expensive and does not function during night time, it has various advantages that make it an indispensable alternative source of energy in today's power generation. It is a renewable resource and is available in abundance. They do not cause any type of pollution and are easy to install. The devices are expensive but in the long run they efficiently cut down your power bills.