How Solar Energy Works

Solar energy derives power from the sun. Once a solar energy system is put in place, it is able to convert the light and heat of the sun's rays into electrical power which will never be influenced by the changing prices seen in contemporary energy markets. Additionally, solar power is a clean and reliable alternative energy source which poses no threat to the environment or public health.

There are several difference forms of solar energy systems that are used today. These include passive solar design, solar heat collectors, solar thermal concentrating systems, and finally, solar panels.

PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

The concept behind passive solar design is the idea that residential and commercial buildings can be lighted and heated by the rays of the sun without any intervening solar energy system being installed. A building which is constructed properly can require less mechanical or electrical energy to light, heat, cool and ventilate.

Houses and commercial buildings with the right passive solar design will always face south, have the majority of windows places on the south side of the building, and will have other design features that tap into solar energy, like skylights. They additionally put to use things like awnings, shade trees, and wind-barrier hedgerows or tree lines in order to reduce the dependence on other energy sources for cooling the home or insulating it to maintain a good internal temperature, regardless of the season.

HEAT COLLECTORS

Solar heat collectors can be installed on roofs to catch solar energy and use that power to heat and cool the inside of a building or to heat water for a home or business. Most solar heat collectors are flat boxes which are black on the outside in order to attract more sunlight.

Inside the system, there is a collection of pipes which hold a water and alcohol mixture. That mixture is heated by the sun and then transferred into the building through a series of other pipes. These can run through walls, ceilings and floors, as well as through radiators and water heating systems, to supply heat to various parts of the home or business.

THERMAL CONCENTRATING SYSTEMS

Solar thermal concentrating systems are primarily used for industrial applications, as they use mirrors and lenses to generate extremely high temperatures. SOLAR ENERGY WORKS through these systems by creating huge amounts of power which can be stored in energy cells or batteries for later use.

SOLAR PANELS

The most common way that "solar energy works" is through the use of solar panels or photovoltaics, which are solar cells that collect the energy of the sun and convert it to electricity. That electricity can be used as a sole source of power for a home or business or can be used to offset electrical grid energy obtained through power lines.