Solar Energy is light and heat harnessed from the sun using constantly evolving technologies. Solar energy is one of the most abundant renewable resources here on earth, yet it is one of the least used of those resources available to us. Pretty cool right?
Some solar applications may include, heating and cooling through solar architecture, portable water via distillation and disinfection, solar cooking, daylighting, solar hot water, and high temperature heat for industrial processes. Yet the most common way of harvesting this energy source is through solar panels.
Interestingly enough, the sun is capable of transmitting more energy to the earths surface in one hour, than this planet uses in one year. Solar energy is harnessed at different levels around the world, depending mainly on location to the equator.
Now, solar energy is primarily the use of solar radiation or direct sun light. All renewable energies other than geothermal and tidal receive their energy from the sun. How is the sun converted into something like electricity? Primarily using photovoltaic (PV). These are the same as the little solar strips you see on your calculator. It is mainly used to power smaller applications. It is definitely not something you could power your whole home with. But the beauty of it is that PV’s are one of the easiest and convenient methods to use for capturing solar energy and converting it into an electrical current.
Wondering About Solar Panels?
In order for solar panels to work properly they must, be electrically connected to one another and the entire system, be protected from any potential exterior damage whether it be weather or the installation process, and one of the most important is water protection. If solar panels are not protected from water than the metal will then corrode, decreasing the performance and life time of the panel or system.
Solar panels are a packaged interconnected assembly of solar cells, or photovoltaic cells used to capture powerful rays. One solar panel can be used for smaller applications, or multiple panels can be used as components of a larger photovoltaic system to supply energy to things like residential areas. Because a single solar panel only produces a limited amount of power, they are usually installed in a group known as a photovoltaic array. A photovoltaic array would include the panels, batteries, an inverter, and interconnected wiring.
This is just a small bit of information regarding solar energy. For more information on solar energy please see our solar energy recommendation page, where we will also show you how you can create your own solar panels very inexpensively for your own use.
Looking to find our more about Solar Energy?. Then visit How to Create Solar Energy.
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