Life without the sun is unimaginable. The sun gives life to this lonely planet in the midst of the universe. Aside from the natural light that it provides, the power of the sun can also be utilized to provide the masses with the electricity they need. Solar energy can be used to power anything that requires electricity. Your appliances, cellular phones, and even your cars, can all run by harnessing energy from the sun.Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) is the method of focusing sunlight using mirrors, converting the energy of the sun into high-temperature heat, and channeling it through a generator that will produce electricity. This process combines converting heat from solar energy collection with producing electricity from steam produced through the heat energy. There are several CSP plants within the United States that produce over 350 megawatts (MW) of energy. Many of them have been in operation for over 15 years.
Photovoltaic (PV)
Photovoltaic (PV) is often referred to as light electricity. PV energy is created by converting the light energy of the sun into electricity using photovoltaic materials. A silicon photovoltaic cell is a common type of semi-conducting material used to convert the sun’s energy. This material is often used in typical home applications. A surprising fact is this technology was first used in 1890. Unfortunately, it has taken many years to become popular.
In 2007, when the Nellis Solar Power System opened its 14 MW solar power plant, it was the largest in North America. Since then, the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Florida has surpassed capacity producing 25 MW. As solar continues to increase in popularity, new projects are underway. Targeted to open in 2011, the Rockford Solar Project in Illinois is projected to produce 62 MW, enough energy to power more than 10,000 homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 100,000 tons a year.
Solar Heating
Solar heating systems are another way of utilizing the sun’s power. The system uses a solar collector facing the sun, which absorbs the sun’s energy. This collector then heats water directly. The system can also be used for water heating in homes and other buildings. Although solar heating systems only act as a supplement to existing water heating systems powered by gas or electricity, they can account for about 80% of home water-heating needs.
Advantages
Being a renewable energy source is just one of the many benefits of solar power. Increased utilization of solar energy will help to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Since fossil fuels are diminishing non-renewable resources, their conservation is imperative. Large scale solar energy implementation will help to reduce air pollution created by other energy sources. Solar power will also help to lower utility bills over the entire lifecycle of the panels. In many cases these panels carry a 25 year warrantee.
Bear in mind the installation of a solar energy system is a fixed cost, unlike the volatile cost of energy. Let’s face it how often do we hear about rate decreases. Moreover, as more consumers implement solar the overall cost to purchase will decrease.
