Solar
energy info
Solar energy
is one of the most easily usable and most
convenient renewable sources of energy. It
is also one of the cleanest sources of energy
that has been around for ages in one form
or the other. Mankind has been using the energy
of the sun since time immemorial, rather from
the beginning mankind to be precise. Man has
been using the solar energy for drying clothes,
making food and for many other purposes. Not
only plants, animals and plants also have
been using solar energy. Plants use the sun’s
light for making food while photosynthesis.
The energy that is produced by the sun is
of two forms, namely heat and light. The energy
of the sun travels to the earth in the form
of electro magnetic waves, which is similar
to the radio waves thought the range of frequency
are different. The available energy of the
sun is expressed in units of energy per time
per unit area, like watts per square metre,
which is written as W/m. Though solar
energy has been used since ages, the use of
solar energy to generate power or electricity
is very recent. It was in 1954 that scientists
developed a way to generate electricity from
the energy of the sun.
The energy produced by the sun is harnessed
and exploited to generate power. It has been
only after 1954 that solar energy also started
to be used as a power resource. The sun with
its amazing power provides enough energy in
one day to meet the entire energy requirements
of the world for one whole year. The energy
provided by the sun or the solar energy is
considered as a renewable source of energy,
because it will exist as long as the sun is
there. The energy produced by the sun is considered
to be a clean energy as it does not release
any pollutants in the form of harmful gases
or by products that can harm the environment.
Solar energy was the first source of energy
that was used by mankind. Previously of course,
the use of solar energy was limited, however
it was used. After the 1950s, this type of
renewable energy has been increasingly used
up as a source to generate power. Now with
the advancement in science and technology
the use of solar energy is becoming varied
and widespread. With every passing day, the
popularity of solar energy is increasing and
manufacturers are coming up with various solar
energy applications. The energy produced by
the sun has emerged as a potential alternative
to the other source of energy, namely fossil
fuel.
Solar energy is primarily being produced through
the use of solar cells, which are also known
as photovoltaic cells. This type of energy
can be classified in two ways namely, active
solar and passive solar. Solar energy is produced
in both the ways but, the approach is different.
Solar energy has numerous benefits. One of
the most important advantages of solar energy
is that it is environment friendly. So get
to know more about the various advantages
of solar energy and make the most use of it.
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