Renewable Energy – Solar Power

Electrical Transmission Tower with Shining Sun The sun provides enough energy in one hour to supply the world’s energy needs for one year—for free. The sun’s energy is renewable and clean.

I suppose if one includes the equipment, labor, and technology required to convert solar energy into usable solar power (electricity), then the sun’s energy is not free. The energy source, the sun, is free (or at least it is until someone figures out how to claim ownership of it).

We decided to take advantage of the free, renewable, clean energy the sun provides by installing a photovoltaic (PV) array on the roof of our home. That decision required research that led to a series of posts, of which this is one.

What is Solar Power?

Solar power is the conversion of the sun’s energy into electricity. Photovoltaics convert a portion of the sun’s electromagnetic spectrum directly into electricity. Concentrated solar power systems generate electricity indirectly by concentrating the sun’s infrared rays to create heat which drives an engine connected to an electrical power generator.

Photovoltaics (PV)

PV systems vary widely from tiny modules used to power handheld electronic devices, to rooftop solar panels that generate power for one home, to large scale arrays that produce electricity for thousands of homes and businesses. PV has many benefits:

Clean, renewable electricity is generated directly from the sun
Electricity can be produced right where it is used or offsite
Arrays can be self-contained or connected to the utility grid
No moving parts
Makes no noise
Minimal or no maintenance required
System will last for 20+ years

The following short video explains how photovoltaics work in a simple, easy to understand manner (way better than I could explain).

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)

Concentrated solar power is also known as concentrating solar power. CSP systems can be large utility-scale power plants or small systems located where the power is needed.

Check out the video below to learn how CSP works.

Resources

Author: Linda Poppenheimer

Linda researches and writes about environmental topics to share information and to spark conversation. Her mission is to live more lightly on Earth and to persuade everyone else to do the same. View all posts by Linda Poppenheimer

One thought on “Renewable Energy – Solar Power”

Joan says:

2013/03/25 at 8:12 pm

That was a quick and very effective way to deliver some interesting and certainly pertinent information about the sun as a source of renewable energy. The two videos were easy to understand and contained excellent photos/graphics.

First time I have seen this technique used on this blog. Thanks.