When it comes to sustainable energy, solar power is the buzzword of our times; when most people think of energy efficiency, of being 'eco-friendly', or of 'going green', the first port of call, it seems, is often solar energy.
Generally speaking, solar power is energy that's drawn from the sun's rays and converted into power for everyday use. It is sustainable because it does not require raw materials that become useless after consumption.
Within the field of solar power, though, there are many different systems and designs. First, the most common.
This is the type of solar energy conversion most readily associated with the term 'solar power'. Photovoltaics is the use of solar cells - light absorbent panels - to garner energy from the sun, to be converted into electricity.
Indeed it was the first type of solar power; the first cell was constructed in the 1880s. Photovoltaics did not reach a mass audience, though, until the 1960s and '70s.
With its use of solar cells, photovoltaics is the solar energy system that is most commonly used in households.
Solar Thermal Power
These systems can be divided into low, medium or high temperature thermal collectors. At the higher end of the spectrum are power towers and parabolic troughs.
The first is a tall tower that absorbs heat reflected from an array of mirrors placed around its base. The second is a collection of mirrors curved into a trough, with an absorbent strip running through the middle. The angles of the trough mean that heat is reflected from the mirrors on the outer rims onto the absorber in the centre.
Of the systems deemed as low temperature collectors, the most notable are solar chimneys and solar air conditioning.
These are used mostly in households. A solar chimney - which is linked directly to the process of solar air conditioning - is heated by the sun from the outside, and creates heat for the air on the inside. In a similar process, solar air conditioning uses a suction system to create cold air at the base of the chimney, for use in the building below it.
Thin Film Solar Panels
A new development in technology means that 'thin film' - material that can be as thin as a nanometre - is being developed into a method of utilising solar energy through photovoltaics.
It could make for a revolutionary step, simply because the materials are cheaper and can be mass produced. If the developments are a success, 'thin film' could replace traditional heavyweight solar panels as the default platform for photovoltaics.
In its early stages of development, the concept behind a solar dye is that - with the chemical capacity for light or heat absorption - the dye can be sprayed on to surfaces.
As a main benefit, then, solar dye technology allows for easy transportation and relatively low cost. It also appeals to a number of people because it does not involve the installation of equipment; simply spray selected surfaces and areas.
So there are many different types of solar energy out there, and these are just the main contenders. There are more, and - as solar power becomes more reliable, more cost efficient - more will develop.
Until then, have fun with these.
Related posts
Posted under Affiliated Products, Articles, House & Home, How To's & Guides
This post was written by Chris Woolfrey on July 30, 2008