Solar Power Products

Solar Power

The infra-red rays of the sun being incidental to the earth throughout the day release an unlimited potential of energy in the form of solar power.
Solar power is harnessed directly by using its thermal energy. Such methods are in the use of solar cookers, which use solar power directly, or in heat pipes, where solar power is used indirectly. In the latter, solar power is transferred as heat energy to thermic fluid in pipes. The heated thermic fluid is circulated to release the stored energy to whatever source requires heating. This for example could be an indoor swimming pool which is indirectly heated through the medium of solar power.

Solar power is also used to generate electricity, more commonly known as solar electrical energy. The medium is through solar panels that collect the solar power, convert it into electrical energy which is then transferred to a grid for distribution. There are three types of systems:

1) Stand alone: Here the panels collect solar power and the electricity so produced is used directly without being transferred to a grid. A good example of such a system would be an isolated farm house which is not linked to the main grid and where electrical cables are minimised.

2) Grid connected: Here the electrical power is transferred to a grid where it is stored to be used when needed and to assure continuity of supply. Thus solar power is the source of powering domestic households and their appliances.

3) Back-up system: This is a system suitable to areas prone to frequent power outages. The solar power collected by solar panels is converted to electrical power which is then stored in storage batteries which release the stored power at time of a grid failure. This method ensures continuity of supply.

Solar Power Sources

By far, solar power is one of the Earth’s most easily obtainable sources of energy. It is capable to provide a several times the current total demand of energy. However, it is an alternating source of energy, which means that solar power must usually be complemented by another source of energy such as with wind power.

Solar energy is the energy passed on from sun as electro-magnetic radiations. No doubt that the world receives about a half of the billionth of the entire output of solar power, this minute fraction leads to a huge amount of electricity generated.

Importance of Solar Power

Due to the increasing population on the earth and the rise in economic activities, the consumption of power in the world has risen. The main source of generation of power in present times is fossil fuels. The reserves of fossil fuels are limited and a day will soon come when it will diminish completely. The utilization of fossil fuels for the generation of power has led to change in climate and global warming. It also causes pollution and degrades the atmosphere. Therefore, there is a need to build up the sources of power generation in the world that will diminish the dependence on fossil fuels and efficiently meet the requirements of energy.

Solar power must be used as an alternative to the fossil fuels for power generation. It can be used either as electric power or thermal power for commercial as well as domestic uses worldwide. Its use ensures continuous power supply. It is also beneficial as it is eco-friendly and eases global warming. Solar power is easily accessible and does not require much maintenance. Its use will also improve the condition of the world economy and create job opportunities.

The main problem in using solar power is the cost to be sustained to install plants for power generation. The apparatus requisite is very pricey.

Pros and Cons of Solar Power

The energy acquired from the sun is called solar power. It can fulfill the energy demands of the entire planet if it is properly used.

Solar power is a renewable energy source and it does not emit any pollution. Solar powered devices also do not cause any noise pollution. Solar power systems also do not require much maintenance. Its installation and usage is easy. It is eco-friendly. It is easily and freely available.

Apart from these advantages, there are some disadvantages as well. It is not accessible at night and thus needs storage for use which may be costly. Solar powered devices are very pricey. It cannot be relied upon as nature is unpredictable.

The benefits of solar power exceed its disadvantages and thus, there is a transfer from using other energy sources to usage of solar power. Due to the ever rising fuel, coal and natural gas prices, solar power has offered the preeminent probable alternative to meet the requirements of energy worldwide.

Solar power is a renewable power generation source and is available abundantly in the world. It is also anticipated to emerge as the world’s rapidly developing sector.