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Solar Power
The sun is the primary source of the earth's energy. Estimates suggest that the annual energy received from the sun (insolation), is 15,000 times greater than the current global energy supply. Solar energy is safe, pollution-free, efficient and of limitless supply. Unfortunately, it is expensive to construct solar 'stations' although many individual homes have had solar panels added, especially in climates that are warmer and sunnier than in Britain. It is hoped, globally, that future improvements in technology will result in reduced production costs. This would enable many developing countries, especially those lying within the tropics, to rely increasingly on solar energy. In Britain, the solar option is less favourable, although still effective, partly due to the greater amount of cloud cover and partly to the long hours of darkness in winter when demand for energy is at its highest.
Solar Electricity from Photovoltaic Modules
Photovoltaic modules produce electricity from sunshine. These modules are often called Solar Panels although these differ from those Solar Panels used in heating water. The modules are made from silicon and can be either small or large in size. The power produced from these solar panels can be used for anything from powering a calculator and recharging batteries, to powering a solar-powered vehicle. Photovoltaic modules can also be adapted to power your home. Ideally, the solar panels should face in a southerly direction and be inclined at an appropriate angle to collect as much sunshine as possible.
Most people within the UK probably believe that it is nearly impossible to produce electricity from solar panels due to the lack of average sunshine available. This is a misconception, as solar panels will always produce electricity whilst sunlight is present, even if this means light coming through complete cloud cover. The amount of electricity produced will vary with the intensity of sunlight present, but nevertheless, electricity will continue to be produced in relative quantities.
Solar Hot Water Systems
As opposed to photovoltaic modules, solar hot water panels use sunshine to heat water. These panels use less technology than that required for photovoltaic panels. Their level of technology is so low that these can be produced within the household. The use of a solar hot water system is a very simple and effective way of reducing your energy consumption and therefore reduces financial costs as well. In the UK, an average household will reduce its annual energy consumption levels for providing hot water by approximately 50% after installing a solar hot water system. There are, on the market, a wide selection of collectors and systems available but they all still operate around the same basic principle. This principle is based on the process of water being pumped through the solar panel and being heated by solar energy when the sun is shining. This heated water then flows through a heat exchanger, warming the stored water in the hot cylinder. The water can then be used for washing and bathing when needed, with a boiler providing backup heating if this should be required.
