Solar energy is the answer to the rising problem of lacking reliable energy sources. This kind of energy is renewable, so we would never run out of it.
The sun, after all, is a constant thing and it’s free. It is the most natural source of energy we can have to obtain electricity. So, below are some types of solar energy technologies that play a great part in our everyday lives.
Photovoltaic Systems
The Photovoltaic system, also known as a PV system, is a powerful system that supplies solar energy with photovoltaics. It involves solar panels to absorb and to convert sunlight into electricity.
It needs a solar inverter to change electric currents, cables and other accessories to set up the system. They often come as stand alone systems or grid-connected and sometimes rooftop-mounted or integrated into buildings.
It usually has a capacity of 10 kilowatts to 100 megawatts. And because it has zero environmental emissions, it has been used in mainstream electricity generation.
The solar hot water system converts sunlight into a water-heating system. The tank where water is stored is connected directly to the solar collectors on its roof.
The water rises automatically into the tank through thermosiphoning, so no water pumping is necessary. It comes in a floor-mounted system below the level of the solar collectors and, consisting of a circulating pump that moves and heats water in the tank.
Passive Solar Heating and Daylighting
Passive solar heating and daylighting has been a fad lately. This is putting to good use the natural heat and light that the sun gives off. It includes sunspaces or tombe walls that are preferably built on the south side of a house or building.
This is to get the most of the sunlight as it passes through the glass, it will warm the whole space and brighten it up. A tombe wall is painted black so that it absorbs most of the sun’s heat during daytime.
As it cools down during the night, it will give off the collected heat to warm you up on cold nights.
This kind of system is used to provide great quantities of hot water and heating for non-residential buildings. The system consists of a solar collector that connects to a pump, and a heat exchanger in a storage tank.
Solar energy can also be used to cool a building simply by using it with evaporative coolers through the dessicant cooling.
Solar energy has made life more convenient as it provides hot water, heat, light and electricity. It can even provide cooling inside your homes and businesses.
Bottom Line
The best part about it is that it’s very cheap. You have to take a look at your electric bill to prove it. Another environmental advantage of solar energy is that it reduces carbon footprint and helps fight greenhouse gas emissions.