Solar power

Solar energy or solar power is the use of the sun to generate electricity or heat. The advances in this field are more than obvious if you spend any time researching the topic. With climate change being an important part of international discussion, alternative energy is a hot topic these days. Who can argue that taking advantage of a clean renewable energy like our sun is a bad idea? There are limits using the current technology but we can expect that to change as oil prices climb and geopolitical circumstances force the science into high speed.

There are many applications currently for the use of solar power. Many of us have used a calculator with the black solar panel on the top that runs on solar energy. Citizens all around the world employ some type of solar energy such as home made solar ovens or heating systems. While manufacturing costs have kept the use of solar energy to a minimum in some countries, it has not stopped the advance of the technology. New buildings are being built with a solar design by their architects. These structures are able to maintain a comfortable temperature by storing up heat or cooling the building using convection.

There are two classifications of solar energy, indirect or direct. Indirect solar power is similar to the process of photosynthesis. The process vegetation uses to convert sunlight into chemical energy. We can copy that system using mechanics such as wind turbines or hydroelectric dams. Direct solar power is the process of transforming sunlight into usable energy such as NASA does with solar sails on space craft. The direct conversion of sun into immediate energy using photovoltaic cells is a popular way to use solar power. You have probably seen the panels on top of houses and the only downside is the power generated is minimal. You have to have a lot of panels to get enough energy to run a household. Most users combine solar with electricity but it allows them to keep their coal-based electricity use to a minimum.

The key to solar power is the advance of necessary technology and lower manufacturing costs for the equipment needed. Some states and countries offer tax incentives to help citizens get started and we should all take full advantage of the offer as coal and oil based economies will become increasingly more difficult to sustain. Getting comfortable with the process now is a good education now that will become more and more important. There are many online organizations that are very happy to help integrate solar energy into your life.