| It should be no surprise that interest in | | | | Today, solar power has almost become a common |
| solar power has significantly increased in | | | | household subject of discussion as we |
| lieu of the recent energy crisis in | | | | continue to deal with limited fossil fuels. |
| California. Rising costs, brown outs, and | | | | But those who resist the idea suggest that |
| downright black outs make living in a | | | | solar energy is not efficient. They claim |
| technological world virtually impossible. | | | | that it cannot be ever present or they claim |
| Thanks to price gouging, energy costs have | | | | that converting to solar power is more |
| skyrocketed and made simple things like | | | | expensive to operate than electricity or gas. |
| paying what used to be a minor bill - a major | | | | If you're interested in solar power, and you |
| budgeting issue. Anyone who depends on | | | | want to learn how it can indeed lower your |
| electricity to power large appliances has | | | | bills all year round, then you need to read |
| been affected at one time or another by the | | | | this article! Types Of Solar Energy and How |
| questionable moves of electric utility | | | | They Work Solar power can be classified |
| companies (like the infamous Enron for | | | | according to how it's used. It can be a |
| example), but price gouging isn't the only | | | | direct or indirect power source, for example. |
| problem behind electric woes. Electricity - | | | | Direct solar power converts solar energy once |
| as strong as it can be - can actually be | | | | before it's used, whereas indirect solar |
| fragile as well. Too much consumption for | | | | power converts solar energy several times |
| instance, can upset an entire grid system | | | | before it's finally used. An example of |
| within a matter of minutes. A minor | | | | direct solar power is sunlight warming a |
| lightening storm or a strong windfall can | | | | surface that's used to heat another object. |
| have detrimental effects as well. Even pests | | | | An example of indirect solar power is |
| can effect the efficiency of electricity in | | | | sunlight warming a mechanical device that's |
| homes and buildings! Solar power is affected | | | | designed to run a motor - a motor that used |
| by none of those things. Since it's powered | | | | to cut the grass or turn on a sprinkler |
| by the sun, it can not be affected by price | | | | system for example. In addition to direct or |
| gouging. (Hey, the last time we checked - the | | | | indirect solar power, passive solar power is |
| sun was free!) Nor can it be affected by over | | | | the only source of energy for a particular |
| consumption or things like wire-chewing | | | | use, where as active solar power is combined |
| critters! Definition Solar power is energy | | | | with other mechanics, like pumps, storage |
| from the sun converted into thermal or | | | | cells, or blowers. Through the use of these |
| Electrical energy. It's also defined as solar | | | | different applications, solar power is used |
| energy or alternative energy. The term | | | | today to absorb heat, trap heat, and |
| alternative energy is appropriate when | | | | distribute heat for a very long time. Of |
| referring to any power source other than | | | | course in warm weather, this same energy is |
| electricity. Solar power, or energy, however | | | | used to trigger cooling devices. |
| specifies energy from the sun. Current Usage | | | | |