Solar Energy Continues To Add Power Off The Grid
As the push for alternative energy sources continues, there is added interest in using solar energy to produce electricity and heat. Everyone understands how the sun's energy produces heat, providing thermal energy and now there is a greater understanding of how photovoltaic cells can convert solar energy into electricity. It is the use of solar panels to produce electricity that holds some of the better promises of using the sun's energy as a renewable energy resource.
There are many benefits to using solar energy, especially with increase in costs of electric power. Additionally, by using solar energy there is no pollution from the burning of fossil fuels and the conservation of non-renewal resources. However, solar energy is not limited to using solar cells for electricity production as its thermal capabilities can also provided benefits without the need for electrically operated appliances.
One of the most obvious uses of solar energy to provide heat can be witnesses by leaving a garden hose in the yard on a sunny day. After a short period of time, when the water is released from the hose, it is considerably warmer and this method is being used to provide heat for swimming pools with using electric or gas heaters.
Circulation Of Heated Water Provides Benefits
To heat a swimming pool using solar energy, large bladders are placed near the swimming pool, sometimes elevated above the water level to reduce the need to pump water only once. Water is pumped from the pool and into the bladder where it sits warming in the sunshine. Using a thermostat to detect the water's temperature, once it reaches the desired temperature, it is released back into the swimming pool to warm the rest of the water.
Campers have also found solar energy to help when using an outdoor shower. A length of rubber or plastic hose can be coiled above the portable shower and filled with water. As the sun shines, water in the hose is heated to provide some hot water for use in the shower. This same theory can be used to heat water for a variety of uses.
While the use of solar energy to heat water is not efficient enough for large-scale use, it can help provide free heating in several areas where more conventional heating means are unavailable. One of the disadvantages is that the solar energy is only available during the daylight hours, without clouds blocking the sun.
