Thursday, September 24, 2009

Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy: Revealed


By Jim Martin

Find out hidden secrets about solar energy which power companies hide from you. The power to save thousands of dollars is in YOUR hands!

Understanding solar energy and how it is generated

Solar energy, as the name itself suggests, is derived from the sun and is sourced from the radiant energy that is emitted by the sun. Solar energy thus obtained is transformed into various other useful forms of energy such as electricity, heat, light, mechanical and chemical power, and used for a most diverse range of purposes. The radiant energy is emitted through the rays of the sun which are primarily made up of radioactive waves. Of the entire amount of sun's energy incumbent on the earth's surface, the upper layers of the planet usually absorb around 70% of it through the various water bodies, landmasses and the atmosphere, while the rest is reflected back into space. Solar energy is an important alternative source of power for today's world and is finding wider acceptance everywhere with every passing day. In this respect, it is of much importance to learn about all the pros and cons of solar energy.

What are the plusses and minuses of solar energy?

Solar energy applications are multiplying rapidly as it is being used in an increasing number of areas. Apart from the widespread domestic use of solar power, it is also being used extensively in various other fields such as agriculture, architecture, urban planning, solar lighting, solar thermal, solar chemical, solar vehicles, cooking and so on. Based on the application of solar power, it can be broadly divided into two classes - active solar power and passive solar power. The former stresses the use of solar panels and photovoltaic cells to capture and convert the sun's energy into various forms of energy, while the latter is more concerned about reducing the dependence on active solar power and instead, directly use sunlight by citing buildings optimally to the sun, designing well-lit and well-illuminated spaces in the buildings and so on. Let's face it, solar energy has become inseparably intertwined with our lives. However, much remains unknown about this wonderful source of power.

Compared with the many advantages of using solar power, the disadvantages of solar energy seem few and rather trivial. Let's take a look at the pros of using solar energy first. There's hardly any doubt today about the fact that solar energy is really an excellent alternative source of energy and thanks to modern science and technology, it is now possible to tap into this vast resource and harness a part of it to put it to various uses. The best thing about solar energy is that it doesn't cost a thing, and after the initial setup costs, there are no further expenses. The natural reserve of our energy producing resources such as coal and petroleum is fast getting depleted. As a result, alternative sources of energy are being looked into with renewed enthusiasm. Moreover, this completely pollution-free, environment-friendly and 'green' source of energy is a great choice for saving the environment. Solar power also offers a great deal of flexibility and easily allows itself to be set up at very remote locations, even in satellites in space, and yet produce power with amazing efficiency. This further means that solar installations can be made in rural or remote areas for more economic and social growth. Recent advancements in solar power technology have made it possible to generate appreciable amounts of power even when the sun is not shining very brightly. To add to the convenience, the energy produced during the day can also be stored for use at night or during a dull cloudy day.

How to gain from solar energy?

No doubt, the advantages of using solar energy are many. However, in all the enthusiasm, one must not forget about the few disadvantages that it has. First, there is the issue of economy. For one thing, solar panels and solar power equipment don't come cheap. Even the barest setup and the most stripped-down solar power generator would cost you nearly a grand. Secondly, most solar systems are not sophisticated or advanced enough to keep on performing even under less than optimum circumstances. In other words, most need a steady supply of bright sunlight for an appreciable span of time. Moreover, the performance of solar power generators is still susceptible to be hampered by the presence of pollutants in the air. This is the reason why installing a solar power generator at a remote and rural locality yields more output than in the city.

Solar power brings us numerous advantages. It saves the environment, it lowers our bills, it is fully sustainable, and it is quiet and clean. That is why so many people are having them installed every day. While solar power systems have become simpler to install, easier to procure and definitely more affordable than before, it might still challenge somebody who is new to the subject with its intrinsic complications. A step-by-step guide in this respect can be really helpful. You should seriously consider getting hold of one such good guide to ensure a trouble-free installation.

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