Posts from — September 2009

Find out hidden secrets about solar energy which power companies hide from you. The power to save thousands of dollars is in YOUR hands!

Understanding solar energy and how it is generated

The earth receives solar energy from that resplendent ball of fire in the sky known as the sun. This solar energy comes from the radiant energy of the sun which is transmitted through its rays which are composed essentially of vast amounts of radioactive waves. Solar energy, after being captured through suitable means, is hardly ever used in the form it is originally received. Rather, it is converted into different other forms of energy such as electricity, heat, light, mechanical and chemical power, to be used in a diverse range of applications. Did you know that of the entire amount of sun's energy that falls upon the earth's surface at any given time, about 70% gets absorbed by the upper layers of the planet, especially through its vast terrains, gigantic water bodies and the clouds, while the rest is sent back into space? Solar energy is a major alternative source of power for all of us and fortunately, mankind has been able to realize its importance in saving the planet from a possible energy crisis in the future. In this respect, it is not very difficult to realize the significance of educating ourselves about the pros and cons of solar energy as we might be using it ourselves in our homes sooner than you might think.

Solar energy: Understanding the advantages and the disadvantages

Solar energy applications are multiplying rapidly as it is being used in an increasing number of areas. Apart from the widespread domestic use of solar power, it is also being used extensively in various other fields such as agriculture, architecture, urban planning, solar lighting, solar thermal, solar chemical, solar vehicles, cooking and so on. Based on the application of solar power, it can be broadly divided into two classes - active solar power and passive solar power. The former stresses the use of solar panels and photovoltaic cells to capture and convert the sun's energy into various forms of energy, while the latter is more concerned about reducing the dependence on active solar power and instead, directly use sunlight by citing buildings optimally to the sun, designing well-lit and well-illuminated spaces in the buildings and so on. Let's face it, solar energy has become inseparably intertwined with our lives. However, much remains unknown about this wonderful source of power.

Compared with the many advantages of using solar power, the disadvantages of solar energy seem few and rather trivial. Let's take a look at the pros of using solar energy first. There's hardly any doubt today about the fact that solar energy is really an excellent alternative source of energy and thanks to modern science and technology, it is now possible to tap into this vast resource and harness a part of it to put it to various uses. The best thing about solar energy is that it doesn't cost a thing, and after the initial setup costs, there are no further expenses. The natural reserve of our energy producing resources such as coal and petroleum is fast getting depleted. As a result, alternative sources of energy are being looked into with renewed enthusiasm. Moreover, this completely pollution-free, environment-friendly and 'green' source of energy is a great choice for saving the environment. Solar power also offers a great deal of flexibility and easily allows itself to be set up at very remote locations, even in satellites in space, and yet produce power with amazing efficiency. This further means that solar installations can be made in rural or remote areas for more economic and social growth. Recent advancements in solar power technology have made it possible to generate appreciable amounts of power even when the sun is not shining very brightly. To add to the convenience, the energy produced during the day can also be stored for use at night or during a dull cloudy day.

Here's how we can gain from solar energy

All said and done, solar power, however, has its share of disadvantages as well. First, there is he question of economy. Solar panels and other related equipment are usually quite expensive. Even the cheapest solar power generator would cost one nearly a thousand. Another con of using solar power is the fact that most solar systems, even now, are not sophisticated or advanced enough to generate any appreciable amount of electricity under non-optimum circumstances. In other words, a steady supply of bright sunlight is absolutely required by most to be of any real use. Moreover, their performance is still susceptible to be affected by the presence of all the pollutants in the air. In fact, few solar power systems today are able to give 100% output. This is the reason why installing a solar power generator at a remote and rural locality makes better sense as it yields more output than in the city where the air is usually more polluted.

Solar power offers numerous advantages - both financial and environmental. That is why so many people are having them installed in their premises every day. While solar power systems have become simpler to install, easier to procure and definitely more affordable than before, it might still challenge somebody who is new to the subject with its intrinsic complications. One needs to know where to put it up, how to install and wire it, where to get the parts and the batteries from and also the safety regulations to be followed to ensure a trouble-free and successful installation. A step-by-step guide in this respect can be really helpful. You should seriously consider getting hold of one such good guide before you take the plunge into the world of solar power and solar energy.

What do you picture in your mind when someone mentions "green energy"? Miles and miles of windmills on rolling green hills or in a frozen wasteland in the Arctic or the solar panels occasionally seen on the roofs of houses? You may think of green energy as undeveloped and expensive to obtain and not a viable option to consider. The truth is green is not a new concept and does not have to cost a lot of money.

A renewable energy source that is safe for the environment and does not emit harmful emissions is considered green energy. These energy sources include more than just wind or solar energy; they also include hydroelectric and geothermal power. Let us look at these sources of energy and why they are considered green energy.

Solar energy may be the most well known up and coming green energy solution, but the technology is still in the development stage. While visions of a future where all buildings are wrapped in solar collecting material may not be too far away (in fact that technology does exist now) solar is still thought of as being inefficient, expensive and complicated to maintain. While that may have been the case some ten years ago, solar is rapidly growing out of its awkward adolescent years and developing into a hugely viable green energy option.

Wind power has been here for a long time. To most people energy is electric. Energy is the force that helps make electric or provides another service we need. In the past windmills were used for other tasks other than producing electric such as pumping water. The wind turbines today are very effective in providing power and do not require a lot of maintenance to keep them working well. A perfect place for these wind turbines to work well is in the wind belt, such as in Texas where they have the biggest wind farm in the country. It features miles of windmills to provide clean energy for Texas residents.

Geothermal energy comes from below the ground where the temperature remains constant, for instance if we tap into an area underground where the temperature stays at sixty five degrees and pipe this air into homes and buildings we would have climate control without the use of traditional energy sources. Many places have volcanoes underneath the ground that build up steam. This type of geothermal energy could be used globally.

Hydroelectric energy can also be considered green, but only is some situations. Small-scale hydroelectric stations do not require significant changes to the landscape and ecological balances around the water source so they are considered green. Larger outfits however require the flooding of massive amounts of area to provide a large enough reservoir to provide sufficient water volume so they leave a lasting and detrimental impact on the earth, making them not green.

There are other types of green energy as well, but none of those technologies are developed to the point of being implemented. However, when connected to the conventional power grid, green sources of energy can supplement our reliance on other, dirtier energy sources, gradually helping us make less of an impact on the delicate balances of our planet.