Different Types of Solar Power To Light Up The World

The future is bright for solar power with advanced technology and new models. It may seem as though the world has taken its own time to recognize the value in using solar energy, mostly because of the cost of installations and, in some cases, resistance to change. However, energy bills have been increasing, and the non-renewable resources of energy such as fossil fuels have been depleting.

Now, more parts of the world are recognizing the urgency in switching to solar energy, which is a renewable resource, and with such increasing demand, the cost has come down. On top of this, there is a growing awareness of climate change. Solar industries have recognized this trend in behavior and are making more significant inroads for sustainable living, using different types of solar energy. 

Types of Solar Energy

Photovoltaic systems: The most common way to use solar power is through photovoltaic systems, otherwise known as solar cell systems. These solar systems use semiconductor materials to absorb sunlight and convert it into energy. Photovoltaic arrays can be flat and adjustable in size, mounted at a fixed angle or on a device to track and follow the sun to make the most of daylight hours. The number of arrays needed would depend on the size of the building that needs electrical energy.

Water heating systems: Solar water heating systems are a natural outcome of how the sun heats up the water in lakes or seashores. A system that imitates this principle has a solar collector and a storage tank. The solar collector is commonly a flat-plate one and is mounted on the roof. Tubes are run through the box and carry the water to be heated. As the heat builds up in this collector, it heats the water in the tubes, and this hot water is collected in storage tanks. 

Solar power plants: Harnessing solar power, or solar electricity, through parabolic-trough systems, power tower systems, or dish/ engine systems has become an alternative to producing electricity. All three systems use a field of mirrors to capture maximum solar power and convert it into electricity. 

Passive solar heating: Passive solar heating is probably the oldest system as ancient civilizations used this concept to bring heat into their dwelling. Now, buildings are constructed specifically to receive as much sunlight as possible. For instance, south-facing windows and materials such as sunlit floors and walls draw the heat through daylight hours and release the heat at night. 

Finally, it is safe to say that we still have a long way to go before the entire world converts to using solar energy, although solar companies are making great headway with advanced technology and affordable installations.