Solar energy is a term used to refer to the type of renewable energy source that comes from the sun. It is considered a way of obtaining clean light that does not cause damage to the environment. It is also said to be one of the cheapest energy sources.
To use solar energy, it is necessary to capture light through infrared and ultraviolet rays in order to transform them into electrical or thermal energy. Among the various existing technologies, solar energy is used in the following fields:
Solar heating – Used to heat water for swimming pools, baths and some industrial processes;What is Wind Energy
Photovoltaic solar energy – This is the technology that performs the direct conversion of light into electricity;
Artificial photosynthesis – Mimics the natural process of photosynthesis in plants.
It is estimated that the Earth receives about 1,410 W/m² of energy through the translational motion performed around the Sun. The part of the light that reaches the Earth’s atmosphere is used by plants in the process of photosynthesis. On the other hand, a small part of the available solar energy is used. In addition to it, there are other natural resources used: biomass, hydroelectricity, wave and wind energy.
residential solar energy
This is the type of energy that uses the Photovoltaic Effect, through a photovoltaic cell with a device made with semiconductor material such as crystalline silica.
Through it, it is possible to feed various appliances and generate energy for both private homes and industries. The use of this energy model is done through a solar panel usually connected to another to form the so-called photovoltaic solar system, which is usually composed of solar panels and inverters, cabling, solar panels fixing system, connectors, among others.
apartment and commercial buildings. The application of solar energy technology in air conditioning is possible, but for now it is an expensive alternative, considering that it is necessary to use many solar panels and batteries.
Advantages and disadvantages of solar energy
Solar energy has been increasingly used, and with that it is already possible to observe some advantages and disadvantages. The points that are in its favor are related to non-pollution, less amount of maintenance of its plants, greater power of solar panels and consequent reduction of its price. It is also an excellent alternative for generating energy in hard-to-reach or remote places. solar Energy
On the other hand, the main disadvantages are the following: there is no way to produce energy at night, variation in production according to the climate and temperature of a region, inefficient ways of storing energy, low efficiency of solar panels (something around of 25%).
Solar energy in Germany has seen a significant increase, to the point that Germans are called the country of the rising sun. Solar energy in Brazil should be included in the list of the 20 largest generators as of 2018.
