Billcashey's blog: "Earth For Energy"

Solar energy is adaptable and it can also be used on a large or small scale. It is especially useful in sunny countries and remote place. But not energy can be produced at night and very little on cloudy days. Click here to read more - Home Solar Power Systems and How to Generate Electricity

It is the Sun’s energy that ultimately powers practically all like on Earth and keeps the planet warm enough for that life t6o exist. Until recently however, we have lacked the means to tap this energy and put it to practical use.

Energy in abundance

Only about one two-billionth part of the Sun’s energy output reaches the Earth. Yet even that tiny fraction would supply all the world’s energy needs if we could only find the means of capturing it. Every day, the Sun generates more energy than the Earth’s six billion people use in about 30 years.

Magic fabric

Some solar cells are flexible, like fabric. The US Army has used solar fabric for tents. The fabric provides power for lighting and cooling systems inside the tents.

Solar thermal collectors

One method of capturing solar energy involves using solar thermal collectors. These are the heat-absorbing black solar panels seen on some rooftops. Flat plate collectors absorb solar energy and change it to heat energy. Water circulates absorb solar energy and change it to heat energy. Water circulates through the panels, where the heat energy is transferred to it. The water is then stored in tanks. Solar hot water heater is growing in popularity as the price of the technology falls.

Solar thermal collectors can also be used to generate electricity. The panels use the Sun’s rays to produce sufficient energy to heat water enough to turn it into steam. The steam is then used to run turbines to generate electricity, just as it is in a conventional power station.

Photovoltaic cells

Photovoltaic cells were invented in 1954 at AT&T’s Bell Laboratories in the United States and later were used to power satellites and space vehicles. Now they provide power not only for satellites, but also provide electricity and heat water for homes and businesses around the world. Used together with other renewable energy sources, such as wind and water, solar photovoltaic cells can provide energy for entire homes – even entire communities.