Energy sources for the new home owner is fast becoming are hot issue. With raising energy cost and more attention being given to our environment to ensure we are using clean, green renewable energy solar panels for the home are becoming a real hot topic.
Energy producers in the US and all over the world are using coal to operate and
generate electricity. Coal has been used as an energy source as long as man has learned to generate power. Fossil fuel has been around for centuries and when man started using this energy sources no one though about the consequences. mineral fuels will run out and there will be a shortage of it in near future. This shortage in fossil fuel will have its affect on our daily live and various industries. Today we see some of these affects already, fossil fuel prices are raising and electricity is becoming more expensive. Although fossil fuels are more scares, to need for coal will still be here and will not decrease in near future. To solve this shortage of mineral fuels we will need to look for other possibilities for our energy demand.
Fortunately,
alternative energy sources are growing in interest. For instance, locations with high water falls are experimenting on building a hydro-electric power plant, which turns out to be successful. Other locations with high wind speed make use of a wind generator that can convert wind power into electricity. Also thermal and tidal powers are good alternatives.
Solar energy is also one of the energy sources that is gaining in interest. Solar energy has steadily been growing. Today energy from the sun is widely used in the US and the advantages are numerous. Our green energy source, the sun, its life span is estimated to be another 4.5 billion years. It is fair to say that this energy source is almost endless.
Rate of Power from the Sun
The sun’s radiation reaches a certain size of area in space in the region of the Earth’s orbit and is estimated to be at 1,400 watts per square meter. Out of this, photovoltaic cells can capture 19 to 56 watts per square meter (for 15% efficiency) or an equivalent of 0.45 to 1.35 kilowatt per hour (kWh) in an annual day and night average.
Therefore, if there would be more area that will be covered by several solar panels, these panels can produce slightly more energy in the form of electricity than what is currently available from our imported sources of energy combined (assuming 8% solar cell efficiency).
Conversion of Solar Energy
There are two ways to convert solar energy. First is the direct sunlight which involves only one conversion into a usable form. For instance:
• Sunlight hits the solar panel, converting it into electricity.
• Solar energy hits the absorber surface of a solar thermal collector, converting into thermal energy which can be used to heat homes during cold season.
The 2nd is the indirect sunlight which involves 2 or more conversion to reach a usable form. For instance:
• Plants use photosynthesis to change solar energy to chemical energy, which can be used later as fuel to generate usable green energy (also known as bio-fuel technology).
• Hydroelectric dams and wind turbines are indirectly supplied by solar energy through its interaction with the Earth’s atmosphere.
What is Good and Not Good About Solar Energy
Just like any other types of power resources, solar energy has its ins and outs.
Pros:
• Pollution-free.
• Solar facilities can be run with little extra input or maintenance.
• It is everywhere. As mentioned earlier, almost all inhabited areas here on Earth can be reached by the sun's rays.
What is not good:
• Although it is everywhere, non-tropical locations can receive almost no sunlight. Thus, power that will be produced in these locations is a minimum.
• Only during daylight hours thus not available after dark.
• Photovoltaic cell technologies generate direct current (DC) power which needs to be converted to alternating current (AC) power used in distribution grids.
Once extensive development of the use of the sun's rays is materialized, expect that every household or business in the world will now be powered by the sun's rays. It is not just a dream, it will be a dream come true.
Dennis Killian
Ceo Star27
Http://solarpanelsforthehome.net
