Sun energy can heat your home, power your calculator and even fuel your car. Solar technology converts sunlight into electricity or mechanical power and as well as the economic benefits, this technology is creating some of the greenest power available.
Read on to find out how you can tap into solar power generation to reduce your electricity costs and save the environment.
Types of Solar Energy Technology
There are several classifications of solar technology including active, passive, direct and indirect.
- Active solar systems use electrical and mechanical components such as tracking mechanisms, pumps and fans to process sunlight into usable outputs such as heating, lighting or electricity.
- Passive solar systems use non-mechanical techniques of controlling, converting and distributing sunlight into usable outputs.
- Direct solar generally refers to technologies or effects that involve a single conversion of sunlight, which results in a usable form of energy.
- Indirect solar generally refers to technologies or effects that involve multiple transformations of sunlight which result in a usable form of energy.
Solar technology has influenced a number of common practical innovations such as residential solar products, which have proven themselves quite reliable.
How Solar Technology Works
A thermal mass is a body that absorbs and holds heat. In the context of solar energy, it is a mass designed to store heat during sunny periods and release heat when sunlight levels are reduced or unavailable.
A properly sized thermal mass will smooth out temperature swings and help keep rooms at a comfortable temperature throughout the day and night.
Many homes use a solar water heater instead of oil or gas to heat water.
The solar-powered car is expected to be the next great advance in solar technology.
The greatest benefit of solar technology is that it produces no emissions.
Solar-powered products have become so small and commonplace that consumers are using solar power without even realizing it. Some calculators are powered by a small solar cell instead of a battery.
Many business and government buildings are incorporating solar panels into their design.
Using renewable energy sources to power homes and businesses will soon become the norm. It is believed that within the next few years, most people will probably be using alternative energy sources to supply all of their power needs.
Solar technology is one of the means by which we can save our planet and ensure that there are sufficient resources for generations to come.
Solar power can be used in tandem with wind energy to provide more than enough electricity to power entire cities. People who are concerned about the environment are lauding the benefits of this technology to governments worldwide.
With investment from our leaders, solar technology can change the way we bring power to the people.