Renewable Energy Ideas - Solar Energy

Solar Energy

Solar energy is radiant energy produced in the sun as a result of nuclear fusion reactions. It is sent to Earth by space quanta of energy called photons, which interact with the atmosphere and Earth's surface. Solar intensity at any point on Earth depends in a complicated but predictable, the day of the year, the hours, the latitude point. Even more, the amount of solar energy can be absorbed depends on the orientation of an object that absorbs.

Natural absorption of solar energy occurs in the atmosphere, the oceans and plants. The interaction of solar energy, oceans and atmosphere, for example, produces wind, which for centuries was used windmills. Modern uses of wind power machines require strong, lightweight, aerodynamic design, resistant to any weather conditions, which attached to generators producing electricity for local use, specialist or as part of a local or regional distribution network.

Approximately 30% of solar energy reaching the edge of the atmosphere is consumed in the circuit water, producing rain and potential energy of water from mountain springs and rivers. The power produced by these streams when passing through modern turbines is called hydroelectric power. The process of photosynthesis, solar energy contributes to increased biomass, which can be used as fuel, including wood and fossil combustibilele which were composed of long extinct plants. Fuels as alcohol or methane can also be extracted from biomass.

Also, the oceans are a natural form of energy absorption. As a result of absorption of solar energy in the oceans and ocean currents, temperature varies a few degrees. In some places, these vertical variations approaching 20 (C over a distance of several hundred meters. When large masses of water have different temperatures, thermodynamic principles require that a circuit of energy generation can be created by taking energy from the mass with higher temperature and transferring a smaller amount of energy the temperature lower. The difference between these two caloric energy manifests itself as mechanical energy can be connected to a generator to produce electricity.

Direct capture of solar energy requires artificial means, called solar collectors, which are designed to capture energy, sometimes through direct focus sunlight. Energy, once captured, is used in thermal processes, photoelectric or photovoltaic. In thermal processes, solar energy is used to heat a gas or liquid, which is then stored or distributed. The photovoltaic process, solar energy is converted directly into electricity, without using mechanical devices intermediate. Photoelectric processes, using mirrors or lenses to capture sunlight in a receiver, where solar heat is transferred into a fluid to operate a conventional power conversion.

Solar panels: Collector fluid through channels solar panel temperature increased due to heat transfer. Energy transferred to the fluid carrier is called the instantaneous collector efficiency. Solar panels generally have one or more transparent layers to minimize heat loss and to obtain the greatest possible efficiency. In general, are able to heat the liquid collector to 82 (C with a yield of between 40 and 80%.

These solar panels have been used effectively to heat water and housing. They replaced roofs housing. In the northern hemisphere, they are oriented to the south, while in the southern hemisphere are oriented to the north. Optimum angle at which the panels are installed depends on the discretion of the installation found. In general, devices used throughout the year, the panels are inclined at an angle equal to latitude to collect or minus 15 (and that are oriented north south.

Solar energy refers to a renewable energy source which is directly produced by light and sunlight. This can be used to:
- generate electricity by solar cells (photovoltaic)
- generate electricity by thermal power plants
- generate electricity by solar towers
- heat blocks directly
- blocks heat by heat pump
- blocks heat through solar ovens

Disadvantages:

There is no disadvantage, because solar installations benefit from all points of view. Solar installations are 2 types: thermal and photovoltaic.

- Thermal installations saves gas, the proportion of about 75% per year.
- Photovoltaics produce electricity for free (with sunlight).

Photovoltaic solar panels generate electricity 4h/day (This calculation is made from: the hours of light in winter). Day for 4 hours (1.5 hours in winter) the solar panels generate electricity and simultaneously store energy in batteries, for use along the night, isolated homes, without regard to national electricity network.