Understanding Different Solar Energy Uses
Solar energy is electricity that is produced by the sun's radiation, and there are many different technologies that use this solar energy, some classifications of solar technology are active, passive, direct and indirect.
Active solar systems are those that use electrical and mechanical components, passive solar systems are those which use non-mechanical techniques of controlling and converting sunlight into usable outputs, direct solar generally refers to technologies that involve a single conversion of sunlight which results in a usable form of energy and indirect solar generally refers to technologies or effects that involve multiply transformations of sunlight which result in a usable form of energy.
It is important to recognize that solar energy can be converted directly or indirectly into either heat or electricity, and there are both advantages and drawbacks of these solar energy uses.
How Solar Energy Works
The process in which solar energy is captured and used is really quite simple. There are actually several different ways of capturing and using the sun's energy, including but certainly not limited to photovoltaic cells, active solar energy, passive solar energy and concentrating solar power systems.
Photovoltaic cells are the most commonly used here and are semiconductor devices that exhibit electrical properties in the presence of sunlight. These cells produce electricity as long as light shines on them and they come in many different sizes.
When it comes to solar energy uses, there are quite a few. Running a remote home, water heating, solar energy centers, efficient fuel, these are all ways in which solar energy is used. There are many benefits of these solar energy uses, and in regards to water heating in particular, by using solar energy you are at an advantage for one because you have almost zero cost for swimming pool heating or hot water supply.
If you are interested in using solar energy then you will have to have solar panels installed on the roof and a duct installed as well, then a transfer fluid will be run along the duct from the panels to the water, with the heat energy being exchanged between the two. This is the same process that is used to replace hot water heaters in the home, and so it is easy to see how effective solar energy can be.
By using solar energy you are not only saving yourself money but as well you are doing good for the environment because you are using natural sources to supply your heat and electricity needs.
