The Most Important Facts about Solar Energy

Solar energy - what is it and how can we get this?

The Beatles rejoiced at the sight of the sun and sang, "Here comes the sun." Now the entire world can join them in chorus. Solar energy is the latest buzzword all around. So, what is the buzz all about, one might ask. Well, to start at the beginning, solar energy, as the name itself suggests, is sourced from the sun. What we call sunlight is actually beams of electromagnetic waves that are absorbed by the upper strata of the earth’s atmosphere. It is interesting to learn that of the entire amount of solar energy reaching the earth’s surface, about two thirds get absorbed by the various water bodies, clouds and landmasses while the rest is reflected back into space. Commercial solar energy plants harness a part of this absorbed energy and converted into various other useful forms of energy, mainly electricity and heat. Solar energy in the modern world is generated by modern techniques called solar power generators of various types like photovoltaic cells, solar thermals, solar heaters, solar roof tiles, solar chimneys etc. This article will speak about some essential facts about solar energy that everybody should know about.

There are some myths about solar energy too

There is a worldwide concern over environmental issues. Everywhere, people are crying out in unison to adopt renewable and cleaner sources of energy to save the planet, save its natural resources and stop environmental pollution. Yet, it is surprising to see how little we still know about solar energy and its real potential. For a start, solar energy is 100% natural, completely renewable and of a perennial nature. It is also absolutely clean in nature, emitting no harmful pollutants in the air and posing no threat to the environment whatsoever. Apart from the direct use of solar energy like the heat needed in the colder seasons, drying clothes, absorbing vitamin D for the bones there are several other uses that are performed by capturing and machinating this wonder power by the solar power generators. Solar energy generators find their application in a varied number of fields like lighting buildings, in architecture, agriculture, urban planning, solar vehicles and even domestic usages like cooking and water heating. Another myth surrounding solar energy says that it is expensive and is actually more of a luxury than a necessity. Nothing could be further from the truth. Solar energy can actually help us realize substantial savings on our energy consumption costs. All the expenses involved are actually limited to the initial set up costs. After that, there is practically no cost.

Here’s some more interesting trivia on solar power and solar energy. Did you know that sunlight has the potential to act as a massive source of abundant energy, enough to meet the energy requirements of the entire planet? It is interesting to learn that the amount of sunlight that falls in an hour on the earth’s surface actually surpasses the amount required by the entire world’s population in a year.

Three gains from solar energy - developmental, environmental and economical

The first, and clearly the most important reason for the immense popularity of solar energy even after all these years of its being, is its cost-effectiveness. In today's volatile economy, prices rise and fall by sharp margins, without a warning. With solar panels, you can insure yourself against all possible rises in the price of wholesale fossil fuels. After all, you will never be charged for using sunlight! The ecological benefits of using solar energy are also tremendous. Man’s incessant need for heat and light is leading to the rapid reduction in the reserve of natural resources. As more and more trees are being felled to supply firewood, and coal and oil reserves are aggressively tapped into, solar energy offers us the salvation that we all seek to end this madness. However, while discussing the facts about solar energy let us not overlook the few disadvantages that it has. Solar power generation requires plenty of sunlight. So it is critical to select an area that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the year, or else the entire set-up might be rendered futile. Research on these limitations is still going on and very soon there will come a time when solar power will effectively replace conventional power everywhere. If Da Vinci had been alive today, he would have rejoiced to watch his 1447 dream of solar industrialization taking shape after all these years!

The best thing about solar technology is that it can be realized with even the simplest of means. However, building solar panels at home calls for some degree of familiarity with the subject. A step-by-step guide that clearly walks you through all the necessary steps, can prove to be really useful in this regard. Installing a solar energy panel at home is one of the best decisions you will ever take. Not only will you be happy to watch your energy costs go down radically, but will also be glad to know that you are doing your bit for the environment, and ensuring a greener tomorrow for your children.

Jim Martin is a researcher, inventor, home energy consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Earth 4 Electricity- Renewable Energy Made Easy". Jim has written dozens of home energy related articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

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