Saturday, November 7, 2009

What Type Of Solar Energy Is Right For You?


Solar energy is heavily promoted for its ability to produce a clean form of energy production. It does not pollute the environment and therefor considered a very green technology.

Thermal and photovoltaic conversion are the two contemporary means of harnessing energy from the sun. Using the heat of the sun to make electricity is known as solar conversion. Layers of a unique material contained the Photovoltaic conversion absorb sun's rays directly to product electricity.

As you would expect, sunlight is required to use solar thermal conversion to generate electricity. Solar energy is a type of energy This method utilizes reflecting surfaces and mirrors to amplify the amount of heat that can be generated. (thermal). If you have ever starting a magnifying glass fire, than you were using solar energy. You are able to create a very small space of very intense heat using a magnifying glass. Actual solar cells used to store heat use this method to superheat liquids that produce steam. Steam is created, which in turn moves a turbine that converts the energy into electricity.

Photovoltaic Conversion essentially means light that is converted to electricity. Photovoltaic cells usually consist of panels, which contain two layers of different materials. One layer becomes positively charged and the other negatively when light hits them. Very much like a regular battery, which has a positive end and a negative end, when a wire connects the two ends, they produce an electric current. When you expose the two layers inside a solar panel to direct sunlight, electricity is created.

A solar power cell's speed of generating electricity is relative to the brightness of the sun: the brighter the faster. The best result require longer exposure to direct sunlight.

Solar cells are used today to power anything from small personal devices, such as cell phones, to large communities. Solar power offers many benefits including the fact that it can be portable, and that it protects the earth.

As stated earlier, anytime someone uses a hand-held or lighted magnifying glass to get a fire going, have used solar energy.

The devices offered today are more efficient and effective then ever before. The use of solar power is very promising for our use now and into the future.

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