Solar Power Map
Are we aware about the everyday news that warns us of the severe dangers of pollution into which the environment has been dragged in? In due course of time, human beings have slowly over-used the different natural resources, the affects of which we are facing today. While many try to use their money effectively, lessen their “carbon footprint” through the process of recycling or have “earth friendly” diet, the one major practice that we all should concentrate upon is the improvement of our energy effectiveness.
Among the several methods of being energy efficient is by using renewable energies like the outdoor solar lights. In reality solar energy happens to be the most developed and applicable energy technologies in the modern times. Solar power can be used by anyone for reducing the energy consumption.
With large number of people willing to ‘go green’, Solar power is gaining more importance. Sun has always been in the process of producing energy for over billions of years, yet men came to realize and understand it only now, how to use the sun rays for their own use by converting the rays into energy. From time immemorial, people have been making use of sunlight for cultivating crops or building homes in proper alignment with the sun so that the homes receive proper light and heat. In this contemporary world, however, people have come to learn to convert the solar power into different forms of energy such as electricity and heat.
Solar energy contains a lot of potential. People these days convert solar energy into thermal power energy, which is then used for different heating purposes. Solar panels can be used for heating water for offices, homes and other settings. Some of the water tanks in the buildings are connected to a solar panel that helps in getting warm water. This renewable form of heat also reduces your electricity costs. Thermal energy can also be used up for heating spaces such as greenhouses, offices or homes. Just think of the days when crops can be grown throughout the year with the help of a warm, natural greenhouse. Imagine yourself not having to pay high for gas bills. And if you are thinking that this is all, then wait. These are only few of the benefits of using solar energy.
Solar energy can be converted into electricity by 2 ways. Solar cells can be used to change the solar energy to electricity. Solar cells are used for lighting up the road signs, street lamps and watches. Solar energy can also be converted into electricity in a solar power plant. The energy received from the sun is used in heating up a fluid that releases steam. The steam is used up in a power generator.
Solar energy can be classified into 2 types, active solar and passive solar. Both produce solar energy, though in different ways.
Active solar power systems involve the use of solar panels. The panels are so placed that it gets the maximum exposure from the sun. The panels then convert the sunlight into electricity, through various mechanisms.
Passive solar energy doses not involve any kind of panels or any moving mechanism in order to produce energy. It involves the careful and proper planning of structures in such a way that sunrays can be trapped with the help of tanks or windows etc.
Germany, Japan and the United States are the largest solar energy producers worldwide. There are evident advantages of using Solar Power as on the backdrop we see that man has exploited the environment for resources and energy naturally and uncontrollably. Presently, there is the need to look into the matter and start utilizing the other possible sources of energy that would not harm the environment and the mankind in general. If we want to stop or reverse the damage around, we have to start using renewable and clean sources of energy so if we are to try and stop or turn around the extent of this damage. Solar power is one such energy resource that is available almost free of cost, obtainable in large quantity and most importantly environment friendly. Its time for all of us now to “Go Green with Solar Energy”!
Advantages of Solar Energy
- Environmentally Friendly
The most important advantage of the solar energy is that it is very environment friendly and that is what it seems is the need of the hour. This form of energy is renewable unlike other energies such as oil, gas and coal. It is clean and sustainable and therefore helps in protecting the environment.
Another very useful fact regarding the solar energy is that it does not emit carbon dioxide, mercury, sulphur dioxide or nitrogen oxide into the air like other types of electrical generations and therefore doe not contribute towards air pollution. Solar Energy also does not lead to acid rain, global warming or smog. Rather it contributes in decreasing the dangerous green house emissions of gases.
Solar energy does not involve the problems and expenses of the transportation and revival of fuel or the storing of the radioactive waste.
- Saves Money
Although initially, the cost of installing this form of energy is very high, yet after the initial cost has been incurred, the energy that we get from the sun is almost free of cost. The government helps in reducing the cost by providing financial incentives.
If your solar system is seen producing more energy than what is being used by you, then the utility company will buy it and build a credit of it in your name. This process is known as net metering. You also get to pay less electricity bill as this saves money. Another usage is that, the solar energy is in no need of fuels. Since the demand or supply of fuel does not affect the solar energy, therefore the ever rising cost of gasoline also does not affect this form of energy. Like the other forms of energies, which sometimes affect the health badly, solar energy has no such harmful affects on the health and therefore in a way, it also reduces health related costs.
- Independent or Semi-independent Operation
Solar Energy systems can be operated independently, without requiring any kind of gas or power grid or any type of connection. Therefore it can be installed in any remotest locations such as holiday log cabins etc. This makes it even more cost-effective and practical when compared to the utility electricity supply in any new location. The utilization of solar energy lessens our dependence on different centralized or foreign energy sources, which are influenced by international events or natural disasters. Solar energy thus contributes towards a sustainable future.
- No or Low Maintenance
There is almost no maintenance required in case of Solar Energy systems, which lasts for a long time. Once the systems get installed, no recurring costs are further needed to be incurred. The systems operate without producing sounds or releasing bad smells. Solar panels can be added easily in future, if the need be so.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
The initial cost that is the installation of solar energy systems is very expensive. The different semi-conducting materials that are used for building and installation incur a huge amount of money. This is one of the most harmful problems of solar energy.
In comparison to the electricity supplies from other non-renewable sources, the expense of solar energy is much higher. Since energy deficit is actually becoming the very common these days, solar energy is therefore getting price-competitive even more.
Solar panels need a very large area for its installation in order to achieve high degree of efficiency.
The efficiency and usage of the solar system is also dependent on the sun’s location. This difficulty can however, be overcome by installing certain relevant components.
In case of solar powered cars, the speed does not appeal or match with the need of the fast paced present generation.
The solar energy also gets influenced to large extent if the air is polluted or clouds are present.
Solar energy cannot be produced during the night. Though a battery system or net metering can help in solving the problem, yet it is not always feasible.
However, when we compare the various pros and cons of solar energy, we all would agree that we have to make use of this form of energy in near future if at all we want to save ourselves and our environment. The small problems that we might face while using the solar power, is easily manageable but the problems that we would have to face for not taking care of the environment can never be managed or undone. All we need to do is save the environment from further damage by adopting relevant measures.
