Electromagnetic Energy Can Harness Sun's Possibilities
Energy from the sun travels to the Earth in various wave lengths, including ultraviolet, from which sunburns and suntans come from, as well as the visible light spectrum. Included in the sun's waves is the electromagnetic energy waves that can be converted to electricity through photovoltaic cells. For standard uses, electromagnetic energy is the convergence of electric waves and magnetic energy applied at right angles. Different wavelengths create different uses for the energy, one of which is in the use of electric furnaces for melting metals in industry.
This electromagnetic energy can also be used to heat water for use in steam generators for the production of electricity as well as providing instantly available hot water heaters. The use of electromagnetic energy in homes is still in its infancy, but improving technology is showing promise at producing a reliable alternative as an energy source. Electromagnets are in use in many daily applications, such as door bells and remote release locking mechanisms but its use as an energy resource is just beginning to be understood.
Calculating the required wavelengths of the electricity and magnetism is a complicated procedure, which engineers are frequently adjusting to find the right measure of reliability. As it pertains to converting the photosynthesis power of the sun's radiation, the definition is more defined. Once the sun's electromagnetic energy is better understood more reliable and more efficient solar cells can be designed.
Full Potential Of Sun Is Underutilized
Most of today's photovoltaic cells are only working at about 15 percent efficiency, up from the five and 10 percent of just a couple of years ago. With a better understanding of how the sun's electromagnetic energy is converted, photovoltaic cells that work at a higher efficiency rating will allow for the production of more electricity using fewer cells.
Currently, two-square-feet of solar cells produces enough electricity to operate a 12-volt, 40-watt lamp, not nearly enough to meet the power demands of an entire household, plus more to be stored for use after dark. To capture and convert enough electromagnetic energy from the sun for an entire home would require solar cells in an array almost equal to the size of the exterior of the house it is meant to power.
Until more efficient solar cells are available, the cost of harnessing the electromagnetic energy from the sun, as well as a power regulator and converter to operate 110-volt alternating current devices remains too high for general use.
