Solar energy is available in many forms. From photovoltaics,which uses solar panels to turn sunlight into electricity,through to passive solar technologies,which use windows and buildings that are designed to maximize natural sunlight and thermal technology,which captures sunlight for air conditioning,heating and hot water. All these methods offer an affordable way to tap into renewable energy sources.
Solar Energy: Its Uses
Solar energy has a seemingly endless potential. It can be used to heat water,power homes,and even power spacecrafts. Photovoltaic cells harness the sun’s rays,converting them directly into electricity that can be used to fuel our everyday needs such as appliances,computers,street lights and industrial machines. Concentrating solar power systems are utilized on larger scales to generate electricity at a greater capacity which is then distributed onto the electric grid system. Not only does it provide us with an adequate source of renewable energy but also has other uses such as cooling/heating buildings (thermal energy collectors) or desalinating salt water in regions where access to clean drinking water is limited by nature. The possibilities presented by this versatile form of energy are truly remarkable!
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has many advantages that make it a superior source of energy. Solar energy is a cost-effective,clean and renewable solution that can be used by both homes and businesses. Installation,maintenance and repairs are easy – a great prospect for investors looking to lower their energy bills. Solar energy is a viable alternative to conventional power sources because it offers many environmental benefits,such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
* Challenges of Solar Energy
The utilization of solar energy presents a plethora of perks,yet there still remain some challenges. The cost is the biggest obstacle to its widespread use. It can be two to three time more expensive than other fuel sources. Unfortunately,this makes it financially unaffordable for many individuals and organizations. This limits its use and adoption. Despite recent decreases in price,installing a solar energy system remains expensive.
Storage is also a problem that must be addressed. Presently there isn’t an effective or dependable method for storing solar energy which means it can only be used while the sun shines; hence making it impossible to maintain consistent electricity supply through photovoltaic power alone. The solution is to improve the battery technology,but more research and development will be needed if this problem can ever be solved.