Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available. Modern technology can harness this energy for a variety of uses, including generating electricity, providing light or a comfortable interior environment, and heating water for domestic, commercial, or industrial use.
There are several ways to harness solar energy:
- Photovoltaic (also called solar electric).
- Solar Heating and Cooling.
- Concentrating Solar Power.
Advantages:
- Solar energy is free although there is a cost when build the panels and other equipment required to convert solar energy into electricity or hot water.
- Solar energy does not cause pollution.
- Solar energy can be used in remote areas where it is too expensive to extend the electricity power grid.
Disavantages:
- Solar energy can only be harnessed when it is daytime and sunny.
- Solar collectors, panels and cells are relatively expensive to manufacture.
- Solar power stations can be built but they do not match the power output of similar sized conventional power stations.
QUESTIONS:
What is your opinion of solar energy?
