Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy
Mike Walden
September 18, 2009
Learning about solar energy and how it is generated
Solar energy, as the name itself suggests, is derived from the sun and is sourced from the radiant energy that is emitted by the sun. Solar energy thus obtained is transformed into various other useful forms of energy such as electricity, heat, light, mechanical and chemical power, and used for a most diverse range of purposes. The radiant energy is emitted through the rays of the sun which are primarily made up of radioactive waves. Of the entire amount of sun´s energy incumbent on the earth´s surface, the upper layers of the planet usually absorb around 70% of it through the various water bodies, landmasses and the atmosphere, while the rest is reflected back into space. Solar energy is an important alternative source of power for today´s world and is finding wider acceptance everywhere with every passing day. In this respect, it is of much importance to learn about all the pros and cons of solar energy.
Solar energy: here are the advantages and 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.
The advantages of using solar energy are far many than the handful of disadvantages that it might have. The sun, which is a gigantic storehouse of energy, can act as an excellent alternative source of energy. Modern science and technology has made it possible for us to tap into this vast resource and harness the sun´s energy to put it to various uses. Solar energy is for free, and once one has invested in setting up the system, there´s no recurring cost. As long as the sun shines, one can keep enjoying its energy for free without entailing high costs or endangering the environment. As the concern over gradually diminishing natural resources continues to grow, alternative sources of energy are being looked into with renewed enthusiasm. Moreover, this environment-friendly and ´green´ source of energy is a boon to our already heavily polluted environment. Solar power has the ability to produce electricity at remote locations, for example, the satellite in the space is catered by high efficiency photovoltaic or solar cells that are not connected to any grid. This also supports installation of solar cells in rural or remote areas which is actually more economic than the usual high voltage wire installation. Recent advancements in solar power technology has made it possible to generate appreciable amounts of power even when the sun is not shining very brightly. What´s more, the energy produced during the day allows itself to be stored for use at night.
How to gain from solar energy?
No doubt, the advantages of using solar energy are many. However, in all the enthusiasm, one must not forget about the few disadvantages that it has. First, there is the issue of economy. For one thing, solar panels and solar power equipment don´t come cheap. Even the barest setup and the most stripped-down solar power generator would cost you nearly a grand. Secondly, most solar systems are not sophisticated or advanced enough to keep on performing even under less than optimum circumstances. In other words, most need a steady supply of bright sunlight for an appreciable span of time. Moreover, the performance of solar power generators is still susceptible to be hampered by the presence of pollutants in the air. This is the reason why installing a solar power generator at a remote and rural locality yields more output than in the city.
Solar power is really a great choice for reasons both financial as well as environmental. That is why so many people are enthusiastically considering installing a system in their homes. The best thing is that you can too. But for that you need 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 that have to be followed. 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 wonderful world of solar power.
This article is based on the book, "Earth 4 Electricity- Renewable Energy Made Easy " by Jim Martin. Jim Martin is a researcher, inventor and home energy consultant who written dozens of home energy related articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.
To Learn More about Jim Martinīs Unique Step By Step Solar and Wind Power System Visit: Earth 4 Electricity.
For further information visit: Pros and Cons of Solar Energy
Solar energy, as the name itself suggests, is derived from the sun and is sourced from the radiant energy that is emitted by the sun. Solar energy thus obtained is transformed into various other useful forms of energy such as electricity, heat, light, mechanical and chemical power, and used for a most diverse range of purposes. The radiant energy is emitted through the rays of the sun which are primarily made up of radioactive waves. Of the entire amount of sun´s energy incumbent on the earth´s surface, the upper layers of the planet usually absorb around 70% of it through the various water bodies, landmasses and the atmosphere, while the rest is reflected back into space. Solar energy is an important alternative source of power for today´s world and is finding wider acceptance everywhere with every passing day. In this respect, it is of much importance to learn about all the pros and cons of solar energy.
Solar energy: here are the advantages and 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.
The advantages of using solar energy are far many than the handful of disadvantages that it might have. The sun, which is a gigantic storehouse of energy, can act as an excellent alternative source of energy. Modern science and technology has made it possible for us to tap into this vast resource and harness the sun´s energy to put it to various uses. Solar energy is for free, and once one has invested in setting up the system, there´s no recurring cost. As long as the sun shines, one can keep enjoying its energy for free without entailing high costs or endangering the environment. As the concern over gradually diminishing natural resources continues to grow, alternative sources of energy are being looked into with renewed enthusiasm. Moreover, this environment-friendly and ´green´ source of energy is a boon to our already heavily polluted environment. Solar power has the ability to produce electricity at remote locations, for example, the satellite in the space is catered by high efficiency photovoltaic or solar cells that are not connected to any grid. This also supports installation of solar cells in rural or remote areas which is actually more economic than the usual high voltage wire installation. Recent advancements in solar power technology has made it possible to generate appreciable amounts of power even when the sun is not shining very brightly. What´s more, the energy produced during the day allows itself to be stored for use at night.
How to gain from solar energy?
No doubt, the advantages of using solar energy are many. However, in all the enthusiasm, one must not forget about the few disadvantages that it has. First, there is the issue of economy. For one thing, solar panels and solar power equipment don´t come cheap. Even the barest setup and the most stripped-down solar power generator would cost you nearly a grand. Secondly, most solar systems are not sophisticated or advanced enough to keep on performing even under less than optimum circumstances. In other words, most need a steady supply of bright sunlight for an appreciable span of time. Moreover, the performance of solar power generators is still susceptible to be hampered by the presence of pollutants in the air. This is the reason why installing a solar power generator at a remote and rural locality yields more output than in the city.
Solar power is really a great choice for reasons both financial as well as environmental. That is why so many people are enthusiastically considering installing a system in their homes. The best thing is that you can too. But for that you need 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 that have to be followed. 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 wonderful world of solar power.
This article is based on the book, "Earth 4 Electricity- Renewable Energy Made Easy " by Jim Martin. Jim Martin is a researcher, inventor and home energy consultant who written dozens of home energy related articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.
To Learn More about Jim Martinīs Unique Step By Step Solar and Wind Power System Visit: Earth 4 Electricity.
For further information visit: Pros and Cons of Solar Energy
Print
Email
