How Does Solar Power Work – Solar 101
The Sun, source of the origin of life and other forms of energy that man has used since the dawn of history, can meet all our needs, if we learn how to make a rational use of the light it continuously sheds on the planet. The sun energy has shone for as long as time itself began, and it is estimated that it still has not arrived to half of its existence.
This year, the Sun will shed on the Earth four thousand times more energy than we consume.
Spain, for its privileged location and climate, is particularly favored from the rest of the other European countries, as for every square meter of land per year gets 1,500 kilowatt-hour of solar energy, a figure similar to that of many regions in Central and South America. This solar energy can be harnessed directly, or be converted into other useful forms, such as electricity.
It would not be to attempt to exploit, by all possible means, this free energy source, clean and inexhaustible, which may finally liberate us from dependence on oil or other unsafe, polluting or simply exhaustible alternatives. It must be noted, however, that there are some problems we must face and overcome. Apart from the difficulties that an advanced solar power policy would carry by itself, it has to be taken into account that this power is subject to continuous fluctuations and changes more or less abrupt. For example, solar radiation is lower in winter, just when we most need it.
It is vitally important to pursue the development of the this emerging technology of acquisition, stockpiling and distribution of solar energy, to achieve the conditions that make it definitely competitive on a global scale.
What can be achieved with solar energy?
Basically, by collecting an appropriate solar radiation, we can get heat and electricity.
The heat is collected by sensors or thermal collectors, and the electricity through photovoltaic modules. Both processes have nothing to do with each other, neither in terms of their technology or their application.
Lets speak first of using heat. The heat collected in the collector can be used to meet many needs. For example, you can get hot water for domestic or industrial use, or to heat our homes, hotels, schools, factories, etc.. We can even acclimatize the swimming pools and allow their use all year long.
Also, although it may seem strange, one of the most promising applications of solar power is the cooling during hot periods. Indeed, to obtain cold there is need to have a “warm source, which can be done by installing solar panels on a roof top. In the Arab countries, air conditioners that use solar energy already operate at full capacity effectively.
Agricultural applications are very broad. Solar powered greenhouses can obtain greater and earlier harvests, agricultural dryers consume a lot less energy when combined with a solar energy system and, to cite another example, solar power can run purification plants and water desalination without consuming any fuel.
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