What Type Of Solar Energy Is Right For You?
November 14th, 2009
Solar energy is heavily promoted for its ability to produce a clean form of energy production. It does not pollute the environment and therefor considered a very green technology.
Currently there are two methods of harnessing solar energy; thermal conversion and photovoltaic conversion. Another way to generate electric power is using sunlight to create heat. This method is known as solar thermal conversion. Photovoltaic conversion uses sheets of a specialized material that can create electricity directly from the sun.
Sunlight is necessary to solar conversion as the name implies. Sunlight Powered This also uses reflectors and mirrors to create large amounts of heat from exposure to the sun. (Thermal energy is a type of energy). The method used to start fires with a magnifying glass is called solar thermal conversion. The magnifying glass lens concentrates the suns rays to create a pinpoint of intense heat. Actual solar cells used to store heat use this method to superheat liquids that produce steam. The steam produced can turn a turbine and produce electricity.
Photovoltaic Conversion is a big scientific term for light that is converted into energy. Photovoltaic cells usually consist of panels, which contain two layers of different materials. When the two layers are touched by light, one layer gets a positive charge, while the second layer gets a negative charge. Very much like a regular battery, which has a positive end and a negative end, when a wire connects the two ends, they produce an electric current. When the two layers of material in a solar cell are exposed to light, an electric current is created.
Just one solar cell will of course work better when the sun is shining. You can derive the maximum benefits by their exposure for a longer duration to direct and scorching sun.
Solar cells are used today to power anything from small personal devices, such as cell phones, to large communities. Solar power offers many benefits including the fact that it can be portable, and that it protects the earth.
As stated earlier, anytime someone uses a handheld or lighted magnifying glass to get a fire going, have used solar energy.
The tools currently on the market save more power and produce better results than previous models. Solar power has a bright present and a promising future.
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Tags: Solar Power