Solar Basics
What is Solar?
Solar energy is the cleanest and most inexhaustible form of all known energy sources. Solar radiation, the heat, light and other radiation emitted from the sun, is responsible for almost all natural processes on earth. This natural source contains massive amounts of usable energy that can be harnessed to provide us with the energy that we need with little impact on the environment. Using solar and other forms of renewable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels for energy production, thus directly reducing CO2 emissions which are a main contributor to global warming, a prevalent environmental issue.
There Are Two Types of Solar Energy
Photo-voltaic cells (PV)
- Uses semiconductor-based technology to convert light energy directly into an electric current that can either be used immediately, or stored in a battery, for later use.
- PV panels are becoming widely used as they are very versatile and can be easily mounted on buildings and other structures.
- Provides a clean, renewable energy source which can supplement and thus minimize the use of mains electricity supply.
- In regions without main electricity supply, such as remote communities, emergency phones etc, PV energy can provide a reliable supply of electricity.
- The disadvantage of PV panels is their high cost and relatively low energy conversion rate (only 13-15%).
Solar Thermal
- A collection system uses the sun's energy to heat a liquid, usually water.
- Has average efficiency levels 4-5 times that of PV, making it much cheaper per unit of energy produced.
- Can be used to passively heat buildings through the use of certain building materials and architectural design, or used directly to heat water for household use.
- Solar water heaters are a viable supplement or alternative to electric or gas hot water production.
- Thermal energy obtained from the sun can be used for a number of applications including producing hot water, space heating and even cooling via the use of absorption chilling technology.
- Solar thermal is a more efficient technology and has a payback 2 1/2 times faster than PV.
