| Sun is the primary source of energy in our solar | | | | them using sun light. |
| system. It provides life to billions of living creatures on | | | | The primary method of using solar energy is to store |
| planet Earth. It is the source of light and provides life. | | | | them in photovoltaic cells. They were first developed in |
| The bountiful and non-exhaustive resource in the form | | | | the 1950s for use on U.S. space satellites program. |
| of solar energy is free, available and omnipotent. | | | | They are constructed from silicon. When sunlight |
| Humans have harnessed this resource into a usable | | | | strikes the solar cell, it makes the electrons to move |
| energy form and are using it to the benefit of the | | | | about. The electrons move toward the treated front |
| society. Many claim that this energy is going to replace | | | | surface of the solar panel. This leads to an electron |
| the other form of polluting energy sources in the near | | | | imbalance between the front and the back surface of |
| future. The process for this change is an extension of | | | | the panel. On joining the two surfaces, a conductor is |
| human ingeniousness and a fast change of the | | | | formed, just like a wire, and current begins to flow. The |
| technology since the 1970s. | | | | individual solar cells are arranged together in a PV |
| Historically, the sun has been the only source of | | | | module and the modules are grouped together to form |
| energy for all living beings on the planet. With the | | | | an array. This current is used to charge cells and this |
| increase in the consumption of energy in the world | | | | energy is used to light lamps, tube lights and also to |
| today and phenomenon like the greenhouse effect | | | | drive cars now. The current can also be used to run |
| becoming a possible threat to the planet's existence, | | | | appliances. |
| solar energy and other alternative forms of energies | | | | Another method of using solar energy is to use curved |
| are gaining favor. They are relatively cheaper to | | | | reflectors to direct the solar rays to a convergence |
| produce and do not produce harmful emissions like | | | | point and then make a current flowing system like a |
| carbon based fuel sources. | | | | photo cell and store energy. Plants like this are |
| So how does solar energy work? The process of | | | | operational in the US and in India. |
| converting the rays of the sun into a usable energy | | | | Solar energy is abundantly available in the world and is |
| form requires conversion, storage and harnessing of | | | | perhaps the only freely available source of energy, |
| the rays in a form which can be used by the energy | | | | with little or no pollution contribution. Its conversion to |
| consuming appliances. The various ways in which this | | | | usable forms of energy has become possible in recent |
| energy is being converted and used depends upon the | | | | years and more and more advanced and optimized |
| technology utilized to harness it. For drying out clothes, | | | | methods are available to us to harness its full potential. |
| direct sunlight is enough. For powering satellites, direct | | | | In the energy crisis ridden world, the SUN might once |
| sunlight along with a storage mechanism is required. | | | | again come to our rescue. |
| Cars use a combination of hybrid batteries and charge | | | | |