The Sun Is Powerful, Here Is How You Can Harness It's Energy

By Julie Manther

Because it is a non polluting form of energy, the use of solar energy is predicted to grow exponentially in the coming years. There are a variety of styles being implemented, but which one is right for you and your needs?

Currently there are two methods of harnessing solar energy; thermal conversion and photovoltaic conversion. Another way to generate electric power is using sunlight to create heat. This method is known as solar thermal conversion. Photovoltaic conversion uses sheets of a specialized material that can create electricity directly from the sun.

As you would expect, sunlight is required to use solar thermal conversion to generate electricity. Solar energy is a type of energy This method utilizes reflecting surfaces and mirrors to amplify the amount of heat that can be generated. (thermal). If you have ever starting a magnifying glass fire, than you were using solar energy. You are able to create a very small space of very intense heat using a magnifying glass. Actual solar cells used to store heat use this method to superheat liquids that produce steam. Steam is created, which in turn moves a turbine that converts the energy into electricity.

Photovoltaic Conversion essentially means light that is converted to electricity. Photovoltaic cells usually consist of panels, which contain two layers of different materials. One layer becomes positively charged and the other negatively when light hits them. Very much like a regular battery, which has a positive end and a negative end, when a wire connects the two ends, they produce an electric current. When you expose the two layers inside a solar panel to direct sunlight, electricity is created.

A solar power cell's speed of generating electricity is relative to the brightness of the sun: the brighter the faster. The best result require longer exposure to direct sunlight.

Solar cells are used to generate electricity for a variety of things, such as cell phones and entire communities. Solar power has the advantage of portability while traveling or camping, not to mention it also very environmentally friendly.

As written earlier, if you have ever used a hand held or lighted magnifying glass to light a fire|to spark a flame, you have used solar energy.

The devices offered today are more efficient and effective then ever before. The use of solar power is very promising for our use now and into the future. - 31812

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