Solar energy is a source of energy totally free and in abundance. Although the sun is 90 million kilometers from the Earth, it takes less than 10 minutes for the light to move from that distance. Solar energy, which is part of radiant heat and sunlight, can be exploited with modern technologies such as photovoltaic, solar heating, artificial photosynthesis, solar architecture, and solar thermal electricity.
The water cycle is an important result of solar insulation. Earth, oceans and the atmosphere absorb solar radiation and its temperature increases. Hot air rises from the oceans, causing convection. When this air reaches great heights, clouds are created by condensation of water vapor. These clouds cause rains that return water to the surface of the earth, which completes the cycle of water. Solar energy also has another use. Through photosynthesis, green plants convert solar energy into chemical energy that creates the biomass that makes up fossil fuels.
Horticulture and agriculture seek to maximize the use of solar energy. These include techniques such as planting cycles and the combination of plant varieties. Greenhouses are also used to convert light into heat to promote specialized cultivation throughout the year. Solar hot water systems use solar energy to heat water. In some areas, 60 to 70% of the water used in the country for temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius can be obtained by solar heating. Solar chimneys are passive solar ventilation systems. Wells connect the interior and exterior of the building. The operation can be improved by using crystals and thermal mass materials.
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Solar energy can also be used to produce drinking, brackish or salt water. Without using electricity or chemicals, wastewater can be treated. The production of salt from seawater is also one of the oldest uses of solar energy. Clothes can be dried in the sun using Clotheslines, shelves, etc. The food can be cooked, dried or pasteurized with solar energy.
Solar energy is the most exciting use of solar energy. This is how solar energy is converted into electricity using photovoltaic solar energy (direct method) or concentrated solar energy (Indirect). The large rays of the sun are concentrated in a small beam using mirrors or lenses in the case of concentrated solar energy. Photo Voltaic uses the photoelectric effect to convert solar energy into electrical energy.
Solar chemical processes replace fossil fuels as a source of chemical energy and help store and transport solar energy. Photosynthesis can create a variety of fuels. Hydrogen production technology is an important area of research in solar chemistry.
Thermal storage systems can store solar energy in the form of heat using common materials with high specific heat, such as stone, earth, and water. Solar energy can also be stored in molten salts. The oil crisis of 1970 revealed the delicate nature of fossil fuels as a source of energy for the world. Thus, research on alternative renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind energy has been gaining momentum.
Solar energy is considered the future of alternative energy sources, as it is not contaminated and helps combat the greenhouse effect in the global climate created by the use of fossil fuels. The common home use of solar energy comes from solar panels that absorb solar energy for cooking and heating water. Solar energy does not generate pollution, has no effect on the environment and is ecologically acceptable.
Solar energy is one of the most widely used renewable energy sources. Renewable energy technologies can be used to convert solar energy into electricity. Space missions in several countries use solar energy to propel their spacecraft. Solar energy is a very reliable source of energy. With new advances in scientific research, solar energy could be more affordable in the future, with lower costs and greater efficiency.
Solar energy could become the main source of renewable energy due to its enormous potential and long-term benefits. The Earth receives approximately 1,366 watts of direct solar radiation per square meter. The largest solar power station in the world is located in the Mojave Desert in California and covers 1,000 hectares. Solar energy is the preferred mode of energy created when the need is temporary. For example temporary fairs, mining sites, Olympic Games.
Solar energy can also be used to power calculators. Solar panels require virtually no maintenance because the batteries do not require water or other regular maintenance and will last for years. Once the solar panels are installed, there are no recurring costs. Solar energy can significantly reduce electricity bills. In addition, there are many tax incentives and reimbursement programs designed to stimulate the use of solar energy and allow owners to save money at the same time.
Solar energy is without noise pollution. It contains no moving parts and does not require additional fuel, apart from sunlight, to produce energy. A system of solar home panels includes several solar panels, an inverter, a battery, a charge controller, wiring and support hardware. Sunlight is absorbed by solar panels and converted into electricity by the installed system. The battery stores electricity that can be used later, in cloudy weather or at night.
By relying on the backup battery, solar energy can even provide electricity 24 × 7, even in cloudy weather and at night. Solar energy is measured in kilowatt hours. 1 kilowatt = 1000 watts. Although solar energy is used on a large scale; it only provides a small fraction of the world’s energy supply. Solar energy is used in many applications, including electricity,
