Solar Energy Is A Renewable Resource Which Is Produced By The Sun

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Solar Energy

Introduction

Solar energy is a renewable resource which is produced by the sun. The renewable

energy from the sun is converted to electricity and heat. Solar energy means using energy from

the sun to heat water and generate electricity. It can also be used to cool or heat homes and

offices. Solar is a clean source of energy, and it does not pollute the environment, and it is also a

sustainable source of energy since the supply can be maintained and it cannot run out. Other

sources of energy such as gas and coal are not a renewable source of energy since if they run out,

they cannot be found again.

How solar works.

Conversion of solar energy to other forms such as heat and electricity requires

photovoltaic cells. The main purpose for photovoltaic cells in a solar panel is to convert sunlight

into electricity. The simplest photovoltaic cells are used in calculators and watches while in large

scale they are used to power homes (Woodford, Chris). These cells are combined with other

molecules known as arrays, and the number of arrays in a solar panel determines the amount of

electricity produced. For instance, to power a production plant, one requires a large number of

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arrays for its success. Additionally, power plants can use concentrating solar power systems to

focus sunlight on a mirror, and it creates a high-intensity heat source which heats water and

converts it to steam. Such systems are used to run steam turbines which run generators hence

producing electricity.

A solar heating system has two distinct parts; one is known as a storage tank while the

other is known as the solar collector. The collector is placed facing the sun, and in most cases,

the collector is thin and flat (Woodford, Chris). In the collector, there is an absorber plate which

and its main purpose is to heat the water running through the pipes in the collector. Gravity can

push water into the tank or a pump can be used. Compared to other methods of heating water,

solar energy uses around two-thirds of the energy making it more efficient.

The Process

When sunlight shines on solar panels direct current is produced. Direct current is the type

of power mainly stored in batteries, and in most cases, it is a 12V battery. These batteries are

mainly used in RV's and vehicles. In other cases, if the demand for power is higher 24 volts or

48-volt batteries can be used (Woodford, Chris). In some cases, four batteries of 12volts each can

be used. The type of electricity produced by solar energy is similar to that produced by micro-

hydro generators and windmills. The direct current power produced is stored in lead-acid

batteries which produce the electricity when needed. The electricity is produced regardless of if

power is being produced. The process of getting power from a battery can be compared to the

bank process, one can store power, and if one needs high amounts of electricity, it will be

retrieved quickly. Similar to a bank account, you cannot retrieve more power than you have

stored or if there is no power stored in the battery. For lead-acid batteries to remain in good

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condition, they have to stay fully charged. At no point, should they be fully depleted hence

requires frequent supervision by the battery owner to ensure it lasts for long.

A major component of the solar power system is the inverter which is either 12, 24 or 48

volts. In this case, the inverter converts direct current to alternating current. Alternating power is

the utility power found in homes, and it is used to power bulbs and electrical appliances such as

radios and televisions (Woodford, Chris). Most homes use 120volt alternating current which is

produced by the inverter. In some instances, direct current circuits are integrated into the

electrical systems since they save energy compared to alternating current. In cases where the

amount of sunshine is not enough to power the battery, other methods can be used such as the

use of an engine driven generator and this ensures that batteries stay in good condition. In some

cases, the process of recharging batteries is automated where the generator automatically shuts

off when the batteries are full.

Passive Solar Systems

In some buildings, there is no need for a solar collector since they are designed for

passive solar heating. Passive solar systems can be referred to as creating opportunities for

sunlight to warm a house or building (Woodford, Chris). The building has its floors and walls

designed with materials which absorb and store heat generated by the sun during the day while at

night it releases the heat. This process is known as direct gain. Buildings in the northern

hemisphere normally have large windows on the southern side of the building to allow more

sunlight. Having enough sunlight inside the building eliminates the need for electricity or other

heating methods hence conserving energy.

Transmission

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There is a difference between solar energy and other forms of energy in a sited when it

comes to transmission. Solar energy can be produced on site hence there are no distribution cost,

electricity transmission, and fuel transportation (Woodford, Chris). Space heating devices and

solar water heating systems are considered standalone systems which are not connected to the

grid. A photovoltaic system provides electricity to the user directly, and it can be connected to

the electricity grid or used as a standalone system. On the other hand, there are utility-scale

concentrating solar power plants which have transmission lines and power plants which are used

to distribute power to consumers. Such systems need a storage device which stores the power

generated during the day which is used at night by consumers.

Importance of Solar Energy

Some of the main benefits of solar energy related to its friendliness to the environment

and its sustainability. Solar energy does not affect the environment compared to other sources of

energy such as fossil fuels (Woodford, Chris). Solar energy is renewable, and it will exist for

many years to come without exhaustion. The process of generating power in solar power systems

since it does not require transmission or transportation. Although the initial cost is normally high,

in the long run, it is cheaper compared to other sources of energy.

Conclusion.

Solar energy is a clean source of power which is renewable, and it relies on sunlight.

Sunlight is converted to heat and electricity using devices such as inverters and solar

concentrators. Solar energy does not require transmission since it can be set up on site and

generate electricity on its own. Batteries are used to store power which is retrieved in case there

is a need for electricity. Solar energy can be considered the best source of energy.

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Works Cited

Woodford, Chris. "How Do Solar Cells Work?." Explain That Stuff, 2017,

http://www.explainthatstuff.com/solarcells.html.

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