Ways To Protect Our Environment

The Many Solar Energy Uses and How Solar Energy Works

Before diving into the vast number of solar energy uses, its important to have a solid understanding of solar energy itself and how it actually works. Solar energy is electricity generated by the Sun’s radiation that is absorbed through square material known as “solar cells“.

To put it simply: the Sun’s rays heat up solar cells, and that heat energy is converted into electricity which powers anything from small devices such as laptop bags to entire buildings.

Four Classes of Solar Energy

There are four major styles of solar energy:

- Direct

- Indirect

- Active

- Passive

Direct solar energy systems convert the thermal energy once, while indirect systems convert the energy multiple times. Active solar means there are mechanical and electrical parts. Passive systems do not use any mechanical parts to convert the energy to electricity.

Solar energy - how does it work you ask?

There are many methods for capturing the power of the Sun’s energy, but the most common devices are “Photovoltaic cells“. These are commonly known as solar cell semiconductors that produce electricity whenever the external material is exposed to heat. The cells also naturally store thermal (heat) energy so the device the cells are powering can work when it is dark as well.

Heat from the Sun is absorbed by the silicon cells and the energy is stored and converted for use by the semiconductor inside the cells.

What are the benefits of solar energy?

When solar energy cells were first introduced in 1941 by Russell Ohl, people didn’t realize how this simple invention could change the World. The biggest problem with the energy technique has been the initial cost. However, while silicon is expensive, people have been recently turning to powering their entire house with solar cells, yay!

Yes, there’s a large initial investment, but by eliminating your electric bill for the rest of your life, there’s a more than excellent chance you’ll recoup the loss. Many people even use solar energy to heat their water (tap, showers, swimming pools, etc.) without powering their entire home. This is much cheaper, but it still has a hugely positive impact on utility bills and the environment.

There have been many other smaller uses as well. In 2006, a small electronics company invented a solar cell laptop bag that could not only carry your laptop, but constantly charge it on the go!

There are an infinite number of possibilities for small devices being charged with solar energy and eliminating the need for charging every night for hours just to get a few hours of use.

As solar cell production costs decrease, more companies will be able to produce solar powered devices and accessories the public can afford. Either way, solar energy is a reliable, natural source of energy that can be used to power practically anything, and it won’t run out until the Sun does!

So to sum up, here are some practical solar energy uses that you can implement in your life today:

Solar panels for the home

Solar garden and landscape lights

Solar water heaters (shower and tap)

Solar swimming pool heaters

Solar laptop chargers

Solar fountains and bird baths

Solar battery chargers for RV, travel, auto, marine

Solar powered cars

…and many more to be added soon

You can learn more about or purchase any of the above solar products online from Silicon Solar.

Does anyone currently use solar energy for their home? Can you share your experiences?

More Solar Energy Resources From Around The Web:

The Power of the Sun: Solar Lanterns Transform Lives in Malawi, Africa - Mirriam is 18 years old and lives in Malawi. She has two children, one brother and one sister. Her father died of AIDS and her mother is now also sick with HIV AIDS. Every day is a struggle: finding food for her children, caring for her …

Get Solar Makes Finding a Solar Contractor Easier - Get Solar is a new website providing great information on solar energy, the different types of solar energy, and how to locate a solar contractor in your area. It also provides a lot of good information on the benefits of solar on its …

Rieke School has a bright idea: solar energy - The city of Portland and Portland Public Schools are working on a proposal to dot the hillside along Bertha Court with solar panels — enough to power more than 60 percent of Rieke Elementary School’s current electricity needs, …

Becoming Green: Solar Energy - Becoming Green: Solar Energy Studio: WGBH Boston Video Genre: Non-Fiction.

Can Solar Energy Save Humanity? - German industry is harnessing the power of the sun. Can America do the same?

Solar: The Future’s So Bright - I’m sure the notion of $400 billion in subsidies for solar energy over 40 years strikes fear in the heart of conservatives, but why not? Even by the most conservative estimates, the Iraq War will cost us $700 billion in direct spending …

64-House Solar Village Saves Residents $37700 Annually - Although the environmental benefits of solar energy played a role in the South Korean government’s decision to adopt solar technology, the inspiration for ”Shinhyocheon Solar City” came mostly from South Korea’s drive for energy …