Facts About Solar Energy – Passive, Active and Photovoltaic

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Solar energy is a form of renewable energy as it utilizes the glorious energy coming from the sun. This is done by turning sunlight into electrical energy using solar cells.

One of the greatest examples of the use of solar energy is perhaps the Vanguard satellite with solar cells that enabled it to transmit back to earth after its chemical battery was consumed.

The most significant shift that stimulated the demand for solar energy was the 1973 oil crisis. Early on, power companies would charge the consumer a hundred dollars per watt. In the 1980’s, it became only $7 per watt. Unfortunately, the lack of government funding did not sustain its growth so the crop of solar energy was only 15 % annually from 1984 to 1996.

There are three approaches to get the most out of solar energy. They are passive, active and solar photovoltaic systems.

1. Passive sloar energy has to do a lot with the building design. This will enable the building to cut heat loss so people inside will feel a great degree of comfort with the utility of controlled ventilation and day lighting. Homes that apply this will greatly reduce their heating requirements by as much as 80 % with minimal cost.

Is everything making sense so far? If not, I’m sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.

2. Active solar heating is used to convert sunlight into heat which provides space or water heating. Used extensively in Europe, getting the right size solar energy unit will cover 50 to 60 % of your hot water heating requirements.

3. Lastly is photovoltaic which converts solar radiation into electrical energy. This is done by installing solar cells, the greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electrical energy. These are available in different sizes and some are used in personal electrical devices like calculators and watches.

Some vehicles are now powered using solar energy. There are also unmanned big vehicles and balloons. To date, solar energy has only been successful in passenger boats.

Is there really any information about Facts About Solar Energy that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.