Solar Energy - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... Solar energy is energy that is obtained from the sun. The sun is known as a big ball of heat and light that results from the nuclear fusion at is core. This process releases energy that travels in an outward direction to the surface of the sun. A long distance is covered to the surface as the energy transforms and is released as its primarily light energy, sunlight. The two forms of solar energy that make it to the earth are light and heat. Solar energy is often termed as alternative energy to the fossil fuel energy sources like oil and coal Every hour the sun beams on the earth’s surface a lot of energy that can sustain it for a long period. On the surface of the earths orbit, the solar radiation is at a rate of about 1,333 per meter Squared. This is known as the solar constant. Solar energy is a technology that is used with the goal of harnessing sun energy and making it useable. Currently, the technology produces energy that can cater for a major portion of the global energy demand. The various types of solar power include solar photovoltaic power, solar thermal energy and passive solar energy. Solar photovoltaic power is harnessed when the sun rays are converted to electricity. The quantity produced is reliant of the intensity of sun rays. Solar thermal energy uses the sun rays to heat water and the inside of homes. Passive solar energy is the heating of a building or home depending on the architectural design. The design of the window placement and the sunroom structure helps to keep the house warm. Since non renewable energy like oil and gas continue to become limited resources, people are now seeking to explore the alternative sources of energy that are available. Among the available sources energy, solar energy comes highly recommended. As oil continues to become depleted, the majority of people believe that solar energy systems will be the next source of energy in the future. An advantage of solar energy systems is that it offers people the opportunity of being of self sufficient (Foster 38). People can take advantage of the energy that is produced by the sun as heat from the sun is guaranteed. This energy is converted instantly and can be used for a myriad of purposes. The fact of the matter is the this type of energy is under utilized as we continue to over utilized fossil fuels and risk the danger of it being depleted. On the other hand, solar energy is renewable and is environmentally friendly but we fail to capitalize on it. Solar energy has been confirmed as being efficient in industrial and resident setting and is used for cooking, lighting, space technology, cooling and communication among other uses. It is also deemed that fossil fuel is a form of solar energy that has been stored in organic form. However, since fossil fuels have been deduced to make a major negative impact on the environment and has raised concerns of global warming and pollution, solar energy is steadily increasing its importance in homes and industries. As opposed to the restrictions placed on the fossil fuels, there is no limitations place on solar energy availability as the sun produces heat on a daily basis that can be tapped and converted to other forms of energy. There has been a major improvement in solar energy technology and it is making solar energy more affordable (Hough 48). Once the solar panel has been set up, there are no additional costs that are incurred. It is resonated that in the near future, people will be fully dependent on renewable energy, more specifically, solar energy. Background of solar energy Many people have the assumption that solar power is a relatively new form of energy but, this is far the truth. The sun has been a source of energy since the ancient times. The Native American and the ancient Greek were the first to explore solar energy back in 400 BC. They build their houses on the hill sides to take advantage of the heat that was released by the Sun during the day to cool their houses during the cold nights. The ...Download file to see next pagesRead More