How Does Solar Energy Work

       Sun is one of the most important energy sources, which we can utilize in many ways. We get solar energy in the form of heat and light. We can capture this energy in many ways and some of those ways are solar photovoltaic cells, solar thermal panels, solar concentrators, and even exchanging heat with the ground to heat a home.  These days most of our electricity deficiency can be met using solar energy and converting it into electric power. Now question arises that how solar energy works?           

      Many devices work with the help of electricity obtained from sun. The principle behind this process is that solar energy contains electrons and protons. Electricity is commonly known as flow of electrons.  So there are certain materials by which electrons can be gathered from the sunlight falling on the earth. This manipulation of electrons transforms solar energy into electric energy, which can be used for running our electric items. 

       Solar energy is nothing more than the sunlight that shines on the surface of the earth.  One hour of solar power can meet the energy demands of the world for one year at least. Some common examples of solar power working are drying our wet clothes or heating a tub full of water in sunlight. In this example clothes and water absorb heat coming from the sun. So clothes get dried and water gets heated. So conclusion of this example is that sunlight falling on any object raises its temperature. Some of the ways in which we can collect energy from the sun and utilize it in many ways are: 

1.    Solar Panels 

 This is the way implemented by solar PV and solar thermal to collect energy from the sun. Solar PV and Solar Thermal differ to each other but their phenomena of collecting solar energy is same. Greater the surface area of these panels, greater is energy collected.  

2.   Solar Concentrators 

 They are curved mirrors, which focus the sunlight to a specific point. In this process a method of converting this highly concentrated energy into electrical energy is placed that can be Stirling engine or photovoltaic cell. Solar concentrators can be of variable size and amount of electricity produced by placing a solar tower in centre depends upon the size of the mirrors. 

3.    Solar Oven 

 This is another form of solar concentrator but no other process is involved in it. The curved surfaces of

 solar oven are used to concentrate the heat energy by the sun on a fixed point in centre and it can be used to cook food. This technology has been implemented in many areas of the world for sterilizing water. 

Solar energy can be used in the form of heat or light and this allows us to lower down our expenses, which are spent on these resources. The best thing about solar power is that it is easiest to use for our domestic purposes. We can make efficient use of solar energy by changing it into electrical energy at our homes. For that purpose we have to install different systems, which convert energy of the sun into electric power. Sun can be used, as an alternate source of energy just like water and petroleum etc. Using solar energy is beneficial environmentally as well as economically. Therefore scientists and experts are continuously working to make efficient use of solar energy.

Regards,

The Solar Heating Systems Team

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