Traditionally, electricity generated from fossil fuels has been dependent on natural resources such as fossil fuels. Solar energy can help us eliminate the need for fossil fuels, and it can provide all of the energy we need on Earth. One hour of sunlight can generate the energy equivalent of a year’s worth of electricity for the entire planet. One solar thermal power plant, called the Ivanpah Power Facility in California, uses CSP technology to focus 173,500 heliostats with two mirrors on boilers in three power towers. Ivanpah Power Facility came online in 2014 with a capacity of 392 megawatts (MW).
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the sun releases 430 quintillion joules of energy per hour. Humans consume about 410 quintillion joules of energy annually. Just 4% of the world’s deserts could provide all the energy the planet needs. In 1921, Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work on solar energy. Today, there are many large solar plants being built around the world.
The strength of solar energy is dependent on the latitude of the object and day. The amount of energy a given object can absorb depends on its shape and size. The amount of solar energy a particular object absorbs is known as its “insolation” value. The more solar energy an object absorbs, the more water it can store. The energy produced by a solar panel can generate enough electricity to power an entire population for an entire year.
One hour and a half of sunlight strikes the surface of the earth. This is enough to power the entire planet for one year. The sun’s light can be converted into electrical energy using solar technologies, such as photovoltaic panels and mirrors. During cloudy days, the efficiency of solar panels decreases by about 10% or more. In areas of the world with cloudy weather, solar panels can still generate electricity. And since solar panels generate electricity, solar energy can be stored in thermal storage or batteries.
The space industry adopted solar technology in the early 1950s. The Vanguard 1 satellite, powered by solar cells, remains the oldest manmade satellite in orbit. Today, various nations use solar energy in spaceships. With the costs of spaceships dropping, solar energy is set to become more accessible to the general public. If we can harness solar energy and save the environment, we can all benefit. But we should use it wisely. The main disadvantage of solar energy is its expensive initial investment.
In addition to saving money on electricity, solar energy can earn you extra money. Certain solar energy systems are eligible for federal and state tax credits, which make them even more affordable. However, to qualify for federal and state incentives, solar energy systems must be certified by an independent certification service, such as the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. The state government recognizes solar energy as a greener, safer source of electricity, and they reward it accordingly. But be sure to read the fine print and make an informed decision.
The sun is one of the best sources of energy on the planet. It is also the most abundant, inexhaustible, and environmentally friendly source of energy on Earth. Fossil fuels are inherently dangerous and pollute the environment. Solar energy eliminates both fossil fuels and pollution from the air. That means cleaner air for us and our future generations. The world is already embracing solar energy. One guy in Switzerland even became famous on the Internet after jumping from an airplane powered by solar energy.
In addition to supplying our power needs, solar energy is a good investment that helps fight climate change. Costs of electricity are dropping and more utilities are looking for solar assets. It is possible to save up to 30 percent of your electricity bill with solar power. Just be sure to choose a good solar panel before the purchase of your solar panel system. If you choose the right one for your needs, solar power will pay off for itself. And who knows, you may even be surprised by how much money you save.
Concentrated solar power uses lenses, mirrors, and tracking systems to concentrate sunlight onto a small area. The heat is then used to heat a fluid and generate electricity or fuel other processes. One example of concentrated solar power is the solar furnace. There are many different kinds of solar furnaces, but all use the same general method to capture energy. So what are the benefits of solar power? It is worth learning about them. There is so much more solar energy than you think!