| Solar energy is a renewable, clean energy | | | | Passive solar is exactly what it sounds like. |
| that has been around for thousands of years | | | | It does not involve panel systems or other |
| in one form or another. Following is an | | | | moving mechanisms to produce solar energy. |
| overview of solar energy. | | | | Instead, passive solar involves planning a |
| | | | structure in such a way as to capture the |
| Solar Energy Overview | | | | power of the sun with windows, tanks and so |
| | | | on. These systems can be used to heat homes, |
| Solar energy is all about harnessing the | | | | water and so on. |
| power of the sun to produce energy. The sun | | | | |
| rains enough solar energy on the Earth in one | | | | Active solar energy systems typically involve |
| day to power the entire energy needs of the | | | | some form of solar panels. The panels are |
| world for one year. Solar energy is | | | | oriented to maximize exposure to the sun. |
| considered a renewable energy source because | | | | Depending on the system, the panels will then |
| it will exist for as long as our sun does, | | | | either directly convert sunlight to |
| estimated to be another 4.5 billion years. | | | | electricity, which is then transformed from |
| Solar energy is also considered a clean | | | | direct current electricity to alternate |
| energy because it does not produce pollutants | | | | current electricity and stored in batteries |
| or byproducts harmful to the environment. | | | | or fed into the grid system of the local |
| | | | utility. Active systems are more expensive |
| Solar energy was the first energy source used | | | | and complex. |
| by mankind. Of course, the use was limited to | | | | |
| drying things and heating caused by direct | | | | Solar energy has numerous advantages over |
| contact, but it was a use. In modern times, | | | | other energy platforms. It is produces no |
| solar energy has been a power source since | | | | pollution, requires little maintenance and |
| the early 1950s, but was not widespread due | | | | comes with significant financial incentives |
| to technological issues which rendered it an | | | | in the form of tax deductions, tax credits |
| ineffective and expensive energy source. With | | | | and rebates from manufactures. In a majority |
| technology advancements, solar energy is | | | | of states, solar energy can also be sold back |
| moving to the forefront as a potential | | | | to utilities per a concept known as net |
| alternative to fossil fuels. | | | | metering. This reduces the need for batteries |
| | | | and significantly cuts utility bills. |
| The future is indeed bright for solar energy | | | | |
| as new solar nanotechnology is close to | | | | Unfortunately, solar energy has some |
| creating solar platforms that boggle the | | | | disadvantages as well. The initial cost of |
| mind. For instance, a few companies are | | | | purchase and installation can be expensive. |
| trying to create solar quantum dots, which | | | | Second, areas with limited sunlight are |
| will be mixed in the paint you use for your | | | | problematic. Third, solar energy obviously |
| home. Yes, you will actually paint on solar | | | | can't be produced at night. Despite these |
| energy panels that will power your home | | | | disadvantages, solar energy is a booming |
| | | | energy platform. |
| Currently, solar energy is produced primarily | | | | |
| through the use of solar cells, also known as | | | | The largest producers of solar energy in the |
| photovoltaic cells. The process works by | | | | world are Germany, Japan and the United |
| placing the cells in direct sunlight. Sun | | | | States. California has recently introduces a |
| hits the cells causing a chemical reaction | | | | solar initiative devoting over three billion |
| that creates an electric current. The current | | | | dollars to promoting solar energy use by |
| is then turned into electricity. The problem | | | | residents in the state. As this overview |
| with these cells, however, is they are only | | | | demonstrates, the solar energy platform is |
| about 15 percent efficient. | | | | coming on strong. |
| | | | |
| Solar energy is typically classified in two | | | | Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a |
| ways, passive solar and active solar. Both | | | | directory of solar energy companies. Visit us |
| approaches produce solar energy, but in very | | | | to read more articles on solar power and |
| different ways | | | | solar energy facts. |
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