solar energy (how it works and fact)
Post on 18-Jul-2015
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Solar Energy
radiant light and heat from the sun
harnessed using a range of ever-evolving
technologies such as solar heating, solar
photovoltaic, solar thermal electricity, solar
architecture and artificial photosynthesis.
Originates with the
thermonuclear fusion
reactions occurring
in the sun.
Represents the
entire
electromagnetic
radiation (visible
light, infrared,
ultraviolet, x-rays,
and radio waves).
AdvantagesAll chemical and radioactive polluting byproducts of the thermonuclear reactions remain behind on the sun, while only pure radiant energy reaches the Earth.Energy reaching the earth is incredible. By one calculation, 30 days of sunshine striking the Earth have the energy equivalent of the total of all the planet’s fossil fuels, both used and unused!
DisadvantagesSun does not shine consistently.Solar energy is a diffuse source. To harness it, we must concentrate it into an amount and form that we can use, such as heat and electricity. Addressed by approaching the problem through:
1) collection, 2) conversion, 3) storage.
is a set of solar photovoltaic modules electrically
connected and mounted on a supporting structure. A
photovoltaic module is a packaged, connected
assembly of solar cells.
can be used as a component of a larger photovoltaic
system to generate and supply electricity in commercial
and residential applications.
The surface receives about 47% of the total
solar energy that reaches the Earth. Only this
amount is usable.
Solar energy is generated during the day by the sun's powerful rays.
Photovoltaic solar panels, built from silicon, absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into energy
A control device converts the energy from direct current electricity to alternating current electricity, capable of powering electrical items
This electricity is added to the electricity grid which powers local homes and businesses
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Fun Solar Facts:Solar energy can be used to heat water and power cars,
aircrafts, calculators, and other small appliances. It can even be
used to cook food!
Solar energy is the Earth’s most available energy resource
because it can be found anywhere the sun shines.
It takes about 8 minutes for sunlight to travel from the sun to the
earth, moving at 186,282 miles per second.
The largest solar power plant in the world is located in
California's Mojave Desert and is made up of over 930,000 mirrors
that convert the sun's heat into electricity.
All life on earth depends on solar energy. Even
without it there would be no life at all. Even the lowest
life forms such as plankton and microbes have solar
power in the form of sunlight to survive.
Solar power is completely
environmentally friendly produce
carbon emissions do not exist or
any other harmful byproducts. It
can be used properly and
effectively cost almost anywhere
on the planet.
You do not need to live in
tropical or desert climates to
benefit from this strength. It has
been used successfully in many
cold climates and even in the
Polar Regions.
Every part of the United States
receives enough sunlight to
harness and use solar technology.
Currently, the cheapest and most effective way of using
this type of energy in your home is through the use of solar
water heating systems. Even solar water heating systems
have been available commercially in the United States for
more than a year.
Solar energy can be used for heating
homes effectively in cold climates and in
warmer climates. Even the sun warming has
been widely used in cold-climate northern
European countries for several decades now.
Solar technology has advanced to the
point where it now can be a substitute for
appropriate and cost-effective electricity for
the regular-grid.
Today more and more people are
interested in using tools with solar energy, so
much so that demand for solar-powered
gadget is currently greater than supply.
Solar energy can be used to
provide electricity and hot water heaters for
homes and for heating swimming pools. Many
pools in Scandinavia and Europe turned out to
use solar heating.
Solar energy can also be used to run solar-powered
vehicles such as cars and even solar-powered aircraft.
NASA has successfully designed and built to test aircraft
operated entirely by solar power.
Solar
Bricks
Solar bricks charge during the day;
after 8 hours of light, they will
automatically glow at night.
Solar Backpacks
Solar backpacks have flexible, light solar
panels on the outside which generate and
store surplus energy. These packs come
equipped with standard adapters for cell
phones and MP3 devices.
Solar Furniture
Patio furniture have flexible, light solar panels on the
outside which generate and store surplus energy.
These packs come equipped with standard adapters
for cell phones and MP3 devices. The various pieces
soak up the sun so that when night falls, mood
lighting won't be a problem.
Solar
Flashlights
Solar flashlights are just
as bright as the
flashlights you have used
before, but the built-in,
rechargeable battery
stores three hours of
power from solar energy.
Stuck in a pinch? Some
come with built-in
emergency cell phone
chargers as well, so you'll
never be out of reach.
Solar Road Studs
Solar road studs are super luminous LED
lights that range in colors. Strong enough for 20
tons of automobile, these guys are used on
particularly dangerous roads. They store up
energy during the day and can shine in the dark
for over 100 hours.
Solar Airplanes
Solar airplanes, like the
Solar Impulse that is being
created and tested right now,
use solar panels on top of
the long, wide aircraft wings
to store up enough energy to
continue flying through the
night. As of July 10th, the
Solar Impulse completed the
first 26-hour solar flight in
history.
Solar Soccer
BallsA normal-looking soccer
ball, only with audio signals
and motion detectors
powered by solar energy.
Solar soccer balls are
designed to give vision-
impaired footballers a
heads up when the ball is
near.
Solar Lighters
From bonfires to your 10-minute smoke
break, solar lighters are the cheapest and
most eco-friendly ways to light up. This is
the same type of device (only smaller) as
what lights the Olympic torch. A mini-
parabolic disc, the spark lighter focuses
the sun onto your tinder placed in the
center prongs until flames appear.
Solar Watches
No tricks here – it's just a watch. These guys will keep
themselves charged for as long as the sun keeps shining.
Solar Bug
Zappers
Typically, garden pest control items are powered by electricity
or by batteries. Solar powered zappers charge their batteries
throughout the day and automatically turn on at night. You're
evening picnics will be bug-free
Solar Clothes
Dryers
Solar-charged batteries
keep the contraption
rotating so your damp
delicates dry evenly in the
sunlight.
Solar Powered Self-
Cooling Summer Hats
Hats with solar-powered fans that help keep you cool when the
weather gets hot. They claim to prevent sunstroke and
overheating, but these guys have fashion faux pas written all
over them. Tiny solar panels on the top or brim of the hat power
fans that fluff a gentle, cooling breeze on your face.
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