Saturday, September 5, 2009

Solar Energy Technology - How Solar Energy Can Save You Money While Helping to Save the Planet

Solar energy technology is considered as a vehicle, which is geared towards sustainable energy production, which not only aids in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, reducing out electrical utility bills, and in bestowing us with complete freedom to use as much power for our requirements as we want, but also aids in reducing pollution levels by cutting down immensely on the greenhouse gas emissions.

The energy from the sun reaches the earth in the form of electromagnetic radiations. While on their way to the earth's surface, some of these radiations get absorbed as the sunlight passes through the different layers of the atmosphere. However, a significant portion of the energy from the sun (which roughly amounts to 1000 W/m2), finally reaches the earth's surface and it is this balance energy from the sun, that is harnessed and utilized in solar energy technology for the production of solar energy.

Depending on the end use or the final area of application of the solar energy, the solar energy technology employed keeps changing in each case. For instance, photovoltaics, in combination with power inverters may be used for electricity generation; glazed (or unglazed) flat plate collectors, in combination with heat exchangers can be used for heating water; air based collectors in combination with air handling units or air dampers may be used for building ventilation purposes; trombe wall collector technology or transparent insulation may be used for heating buildings; or vacuum tube collectors may be used for the purpose of cooling the building.

Depending upon the type of solar energy technology used, the solar energy may either be directly converted into electricity through photovoltaic systems (wherein the electricity produced can either be stored in batteries for future use or supplied through electrical grids for immediate circulation and use) or to heat form using solar thermal systems.

Apart from the large number of environmental benefits, solar energy technology is also extremely effective in saving energy and is a highly reliable alternative source of power to meet our increasing power demands. However, the quantum of solar power produced depends on several factors such as the clouds and other weather conditions, the altitude, direction of placement of solar panels, the solar energy technology used for harnessing solar energy, hindrances (if any) in the path of light that can obstruct direct sunlight from reaching the solar panels, etc.

Saving money is great but saving the planet is something we should all be doing our part in. By installing solar panels you will save money on electricity bills and help save the planet. To find out more about how solar power energy works and how easy it is to install visit http://www.solarpowerenergysaving.com

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