More Options with Solar Thermal Energy
Solar energy extends beyond the use of photovoltaic cells, which directly convert solar energy into electricity. In fact, one of the first mainstream uses of solar energy was in the construction of solar thermal energy farms, which use the heat from solar energy to power a thermal power plant. However, solar thermal energy also serves several other purposes which can help with costs normally associated with electricity, such as heating and ventilation.
Power Plants
Solar thermal energy is already in widespread use in areas like Australia and Spain, generally sunny and very warm climates to maximize the energy potential of these power plants. These power plants use mirrors to reflect and consequently focus the sun's heat on some sort of generator which uses heat to generate electricity. Solar thermal energy power plants are extremely efficient, resulting in some cases of an energy efficiency of over 40%, and the figure is always increasing as the technology matures. They are able to use less land area than wind turbine farms, not affect the migratory patterns of fish, and not generate lethal and environmentally devastating nuclear waste. The rivers can run dry, the wind may not blow, and we are bound to run out of nuclear fuel someday anyway, but the sun is expected to be around for billions of years, supplying clean energy to us for that entire duration.
Heating and Ventilation
Solar thermal energy can also directly supply heating and ventilation to homes. By transferring the received heat directly to water heaters or heat registers, these systems can supply all of your heating needs. Room heating costs account for a large percentage of electrical costs during wintertime, and water heating generally costs at least $25 or $30 a month.
However, even during nighttime, these systems can supply heating to your home with a heat storage tank. Holding enough heat to last days, these storage tanks act as a sort of battery for heat to be used when the sun is unable to supply enough heat. Of course, these systems are far more effective in hot areas, so a farm or personal system in say Britain or Canada might not be able to supply a sufficient amount of heat or electricity to meet the heating needs of families. Solar thermal energy is a clean, limitless, and future proof energy that you can rely on if you live in the proper climate. Even if you don't, solar thermal energy can supplement your current energy supply during the year.
