The most accurate definition of solar energy is clearly energy from the sun. It is a term used to classify the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun and captured by the Earth. It is the most durable and reliable power reserve in the world and the widest. Uses on land include solar heating for buildings, solar heat for manufacturing or industry, and solar power kits for electricity production. So what is solar energy? How does it affect us?
Solar energy is responsible for weather systems and ocean currents. It provides light, heat and energy to all living things on Earth. It has many uses. Provides electricity; can be used to propel cars. It is also used as a power for satellites in space and on space shuttles. It could also power boats, generators during emergencies, toys, and even security systems.
The amount of solar energy that the earth receives is approximately 770 trillion kilowatts (kW), an amount 5,000 times greater than the sum of all other energies, be it terrestrial nuclear energy, geothermal energy or gravitational energy.
There are two types of solar energy. These are:
1. Thermal energy
2. Electric power
What is the difference between the two types?
Thermal energy is kinetic energy. It is everywhere. It warms the earth and it even warms our homes. It helps us dry our clothes. It is also used to heat water for domestic use or even swimming pools. That is why thermal energy is called thermal energy because it is also stored in the center of the earth.
Electric energy is widely known as electricity. It is an essential part of nature and is one of our most used forms. It uses sunlight to power ordinary solar energy equipment to generate electricity for use in electrical equipment such as home appliances, computers, and lighting.
Most solar power generation applications are based on solar power kits that include collectors, storage, and controls. Storage is necessary for the reason that it is only available during daylight hours, but the need for power exists both day and night. Controls are used to ensure that the storage system operates safely and efficiently.
The accessibility of solar energy is determined by three factors:
-The location is usually measured by latitude, longitude and altitude.
-Time.
-The weather.
Aside from knowing that solar energy is a free energy still, you have to realize that it also has advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages are:
Solar energy is almost infinite; it will be available as long as there are people living on the earth. It is abundant. Don’t worry about running out of it. It could provide more energy than all known fossil fuel reserves. Solar power kits can be used during the day when electricity use is really important. It is the most inexhaustible source of renewable energy known to man. It can be absorbed, reflected, transmitted, and isolated. It can be collected and stored in batteries.
The disadvantages are:
It is not suitable in cloudy areas. It is not accessible at night. In addition, it may require large areas of land. As a reminder, solar energy levels are lower the further north or south of the equator the site is located. Considering the geography, the season is an essential determinant of the levels due to the position of the suns and the climate can vary greatly from summer to winter (pollution) with which we can advance in the development of humanity.