Solar Energy – An Alternative Energy Source with a Bright Future

The sun produces light and heat and becomes a source of solar energy.  The best part is that the supply is unlimited and free to all who know how to harness it.  The earth is benefited when people use solar energy as an alternative energy source because it does not produce air or water pollution.  It is not perfect though – if they are not properly managed they can cause harm to the environment like with desert ecosystems. 

There are many ways that solar energy can be used.  Agriculture and greenhouses are making use of solar energy systems to heat plants and crops.  Greenhouses play an important role in horticulture and learning how to make them more efficient and more earth friendly benefits everyone.  Daylight systems like light shelves, skylights, light tubes, and saw tooth roofs utilize energy from the sun to produce indoor lighting and can completely replace any artificial light if implemented properly.  The energy consumption that is used to produce artificial light can be reduced but at least 25% when daylight systems are used.

Thermal technologies that are based on solar energy can heat water and provide energy for space heating or cooling and general heat generation.  These solar energy systems can be used to heat and cool entire buildings. 

Water is another important thing that all humans need and solar energy can be used to make saline or brackish water that is not previously usable completely drinkable.  When water is exposed in plastic polyethylene terephthalate bottles, it can be disinfected.  It is a time consuming process that can take different time lengths depending on the weather conditions of the environment.  In overcast conditions it can take as long as two days to go through the process but it can make a non-drinkable source useable and safe.

Of course, solar energy can also be used for electricity by using PV or photvlolataics.  PV makes use of the solar cells and then converts the light into electricity.  This is one of the most popular ways to harness solar energy PV can power little things like calculators or radios or it can power an entire house if the system is set up properly.  Solar furnaces can also be used and this involves using mirrors the harness the sun’s rays into a condensed space.  As a result, high temperatures are produced.  Some call these solar furnaces “solar cookers” and can be very effective for cooking food in hot countries.

There are many ways to use solar energy and installing a solar energy system can be very beneficial for homeowners in the long run.  Not only will you save money but you can feel good about helping the earth and not using up the resources that will run out.  Solar energy will never run out.  If you are interested in using a solar energy system in your home, do some more research.  Find someone that can install your solar energy system properly.  Maintain it on a regular basis by cleaning the panels and checking the nuts and bolts to make sure that the system is secure, where ever its location might be.  Whether you have a small solar energy system that is just for your home or are thinking about a larger system that will supply energy for several homes, make sure you understand the nuts and bolts before you proceed with your project.