Solar energy is a clean form of energy production, which does not pollute the environment.
Currently there are two methods of harnessing solar energy; thermal conversion and photovoltaic conversion. Solar power can be generated using thermal conversion, which transforms the heat generated by sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic conversion uses sheets of a specialized material that can create electricity directly from the sun.
Sunlight is needed for solar thermal conversion (as the name implies.) Solar energy is a type of energy and uses reflectors and mirrors to create mass amounts of heat (thermal). Solar thermal conversion is being used to create the energy need to start a flame, for example using a magnifying glass to start a fire. You are able to create a very small space of very intense heat using a magnifying glass. The actual solar cells involved in the heat storage will employ this method and produce steam through the superheating of liquids. Steam is created, which in turn moves a turbine that converts the energy into electrity.
Photovoltaic Conversion is a big scientific term for light that is converted into energy. Photovoltatic cell comprise panels made of two layers which are not made of the same stuff. One layer becomes positively charged and the other negatively when light hits them. A regular battery has a positive end and a negative end and when a wire connects the two ends, they produce an electric current. When the two layers of material in a solar cell are exposed to light, an electric current is created.
A single power cell will be able to generate electricity more quickly when the sun is out. The best results come from prolonged, intense, and direct sunlight.
From small personal devices, such as cell phones, to large communities,solar cells are used today to power
Solar power offers many benefits including the fact that it can be portable, and that it protects the earth. As was already pointed out, anyone who ever lit a campfire by holding up a magnifying glass has already put solar energy to work for them. The tools currently on the market save more power and produce better results than previous models. The use of solar power now and in the future is extremely bright and promising.
