Solar Energy Use
What is the use of solar energy?
In science there is a theory that ‘energy can neither be created nor destroyed’. Solar energy is the apt example for it. The uses of solar energy are a plenty. It is used for various purposes. They are lighting remote homes, heating water and also saves on fuel.
Some people live in remote areas like in the middle of a forests or high on a mountain. These people have problem getting electrical wires installed in their homes. Where as it is easy to use solar energy in such places. Install a solar panel facing the sun and the work is done. No costly wires or installation problems. The sun helps you to live in peace.
Another major use of solar energy is water heating. You can enjoy a swim in your pool at zero cost with solar power. Instead of having high electric bills due to keeping your pool warm during the winter months, or if it is cold all year around, try solar powered heating systems.
This same process is used to replace hot water heaters in your house. Instead of using natural gas or electricity to heat your water, solar panels can be just as effective, especially in places such as Florida. If you can afford to install solar panels, you can cut your bills dramatically. In a sunny weather the use of solar energy is tremendous.
Cooking is another area where there is use of solar energy. Food cooked on a solar cooker tastes better than on fuel. Solar cookers are very popular all over the world. The use of solar energy is indirect in many ways. A clean environment is created and there is no noise or gas pollution. The only waste created from solar panel is steam. If panels are properly positioned facing the sun maximum heat can be gathered from the sun and converted into electricity.
There are many technologies that are used for solar radiation to make direct use of solar energy. Developing countries use solar energy for cooking as well as pasteurization purposes. This helps both to reduce the demands for local firewood and maintaining a cleaner breathing environment for the cooks. There is use of solar energy not only for homes but also for industries and agriculture.
A solar furnace is a huge array of mirrors to concentrate the Sun’s energy into a small space and produce very high temperatures. There’s one at Odellio, in France, used for scientific experiments. It can achieve temperatures up to 33,000 degrees Celsius. There is no restriction in the use of solar energy. Solar energy is handy for low-power uses such as solar powered garden lights and battery charger.
Nowadays clean drinking water comes at a price. With the use of solar energy water can be heated in solar cookers. Even if the water is left unattended, there are wax and bi-metal indicators that can tell you whether the water has reached the necessary temperature (or not), and is therefore safe (or not) to drink. If plants can use solar power to cook its food can humans be far behind?
