With the increased focus on alternative energy, like solar power, many people are beginning to wonder just how does solar power work? Some of the concerns of consumers is whether or not this is something that they can implement in their own lives effectively and will it work to meet their needs. The answer is most definitely yes, and it you think about it we have only recently started to harness the sun’s power although it has actually been working for us for many centuries.
But how can we actually use solar power?
Home Solar Power Systems
Solar panels are generally used to convert light into electricity. Lots of people have used this technology before in the form of solar powered calculators but never actually realized it. But just how does this type of solar power work? When you set-up the solar panels then catch the sun light, then convert it into energy. A square meter of panels will power a hundred watt light bulb.
It doesn’t seem like a lot to start with, but think about how many meters of free, unused spaced you have on your roof right now. With solar panels, you are getting free power from the sun in a way that doesn’t take up any usable space.
Also available are solar water heaters. This type of solar power works by using the sun to heat water Hot water is achieved by pumping water through pipes that are painted a dark color. When the pipes capture the heat from the sun, the water inside warms up also. 90% of a home’s hot water is what some companies claim their water heaters can supply. The only drawback is that the pipes have to be drained in the winter to keep them from freezing, but some companies have built in systems that make this easier to do.
Solar furnaces are another type of solar power. A solar furnace is a group of mirrors that focus the sun’s rays. Does this type of solar power work effectively? Very hot temperatures can be reached by focusing the rays from the sun. Scientists have used this kind of heating to achieve temperatures in excess of 5400 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of heating does take a while though, but if you aren’t in a hurry it is a great way to heat things at no cost further showing the advantages of home solar power systems.
As the technology for solar cells gets better and better, this form of clean, renewable energy will find more applications that take up less space and produce more electricity, to meet the energy needs of our homes, schools and businesses.
SAMUEL BODMAN