Using the heat from the sun

Man gets a lot of his fuel supply from coal and oil. This source of energy is only small fraction if we compare the amount of energy that reaches the earth in the form of sunlight. In fact, it is 12,000 times greater than the world’s fuel consumption. While there is an abundant supply of this natural resource, it is however, difficult and expensive for man to collect or store it for widespread use.

Nonetheless, there is an increasing effort to tap this form of energy. For example, these days many solar panels can be seen on the rooftops of houses. These panels from part of the hot-water system in the home. These panels are made of glass or plastic behind which water is circulated in pipes. The pipes are painted black to absorb as much of the heat as possible. The heated water is then pumped into a tank which will release hot water when the hot water tap is turned on. While the installation of the panels is quiet expensive, it is supposed to be cheaper in the long run. Aside from its cost, the added advantage over the electric hot water system is the low-risk factor. Danger is usually associated with the use of any electrical appliances.

Solar energy can also be used to provide electricity. In order to harness solar energy, there should naturally be a good source of sunlight. The biggest power plant in the world that uses solar energy is in the Mojave Desert in California. It has 300 days of sunshine in a year. Mirrors are used to reflect the sunlight and the heat is directed at a receiver at the to of the tower. To get the solar energy, the reflector itself covers a vast area of no less than 100 acres. At the receiver, water in the pipes is heated and the steam that is generated turns the generators which in turn send off electricity.

A German physicist, Heinrich Hertz, created the solar cell. A solar cell captures the sun’s light rays and turns it directly into electricity. Satellites and space-crafts today depend on solar cells for electricity. There is perpetual sunlight in space. These days, there are solar powered cars on the roaf and solar-heated swimming pools. In 1981, an aeroplane powered by solar cells even crossed the English Channel. More common in use are solar-powered watches and calculators.

The future for solar energy appears bright especially when natural sources of fuel are fast being used up. With pollution bringing more and more health problems, solar energy as an alternative is certainly very attractive.