What exactly is Solar Energy?



Solar energy is really a method to convert light energy into electricity by using a device or medium that harnesses solar power. You will find 2 methods we can convert solar energy into electricity, we are able to either convert it passively or harvesting solar power with out the use of any mechanical device or actively by using a mechanical device.



There are 3 types of energy that the we can get from the sun:



Solar Light Energy. Photovoltaics can be a technique to convert solar energy into electricity by gathering photons or the smaller packets of energy inside the sun's rays. We can use this kind of energy to gather the light from the sun and use it to power the appliances inside our homes.



Solar panels convert light energy to electricity by indicates of interconnected photovoltaic silicon(solar cells) arranged inside a module or via an array.



To get a solar panel to work, it is installed to where the sun has most adequate light in your area. A solar panel only generates 12 volt of DC, thus, an inverter is necessary to convert DC to AC. AC is an electric existing equal to 110/100/220 volt (will depend on country) and this type of voltage is needed to power up any appliances inside the home.



Advantage



- Less maintenance because it gathers electricity passively.

- Free supply of fuel for energy gathering.

- Endless provide of fuel.

- Extended operational life as it will not have any mechanical device that could wear and tear as a consequence of repeated operations.

- Saves electricity bill.



Disadvantage



- Higher initial price. ROI might be accomplished in about 1 to 5 years.

- Will have to be installed on locations where 100% with the sun's light is achieved. A cloudy location suggests a decrease in power output.

- Power can only gained during the day but we are able to install batteries so that we are able to nevertheless use solar energy even when the sun just isn't up.



Solar Thermal Energy. Harnessing solar energy nevertheless it is converted to heat energy. Examples of that is using the sun to warm a home's indoor environment, heat water or perhaps a swimming pool.



A solar thermal system is a like a solar panel but it really is aim should be to gather the sun's heat. Instead of mirrors and silicon solar panels, it uses a black colored panels with a heat collector and in place of producing electricity, it's converted heat energy.



Benefit



- As opposed to solar panels, it doesn't need adequate solar light to collect solar energy.

- It truly is used passively which means less maintenance in comparison with mechanical type of solar power systems.

- Endless supply of energy due to the fact the sun does not reduce nor deplete it really is energy price.

- Saves fuel and/or electricity essential to heat a water or preserve your indoor atmosphere warm.



Disadvantage



- Will only function throughout the day when the sun is rising.

- Not encouraged on shady or cloudy places.

- The initial price is high but there are actually other options like recycling that may lower the total initial cost.



Concentrated Solar Power. Concentrated Solar Power uses lenses or reflective mirrors to concentrate light energy into a tiny location to generate an extremely higher temperature that powers boils the water and powers the steam turbine thereby generating electricity.



Concentrated solar power systems will not be related to solar panels although it appears as if though it really is using a solar panel however it just isn't a solar panel but a reflective panel all aimed at a tower thereby creating heat higher enough to make steam turbines work.



Solar cooking is an instance of concentrated solar power. It uses a reflective cooker that gathers the sun's light after which aims it at a certain location to concentrate light as a result create heat.



Concentrated Solar Power is also used to create electricity. A dish or maybe a parabolic trough could possibly be used on homes however they all require a bigger space and simply because concentrated solar power uses steam and also a generator, however the downside is it could be also loud for neighbors.



Advantage



- Limitless fuel source.

- Saves on electricity bill.



Disadvantage



- Too loud and not neighbor-friendly

- Also bulky if used at home, calls for larger space.

- Have to be on continual sunlight to obtain 100% power.

- Has a mechanical device and uses water to generate electricity for that reason calls for more upkeep.

- The sun isn't available at evening.



Conclusion



Solar energy is free and renewable having said that its primary expense is high. But when you believe very carefully, the one time expense of solar panels by way of example is enough adequate to save you at the least 40% of one's electricity consumption monthly that may go on for many years and years.



LEED, an internationally recognized green constructing system rates a creating or a house that meets its requirements for being atmosphere friendly and conserves energy. Together with your green aims, plus using all of the signifies essential to save on electricity bills and lower carbon dioxide emissions, it is a waste in case you don't get your home or developing be LEED certified. Who knows you might get a LEED Platinum rating for the efforts.