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Fortunately, alternative energy sources are growing in relevance. For case in point, locations with towering water falls are experimenting with building a hydro-electric power plants , which may turn out to be successful. Other locations with high wind speed make use of a power wind mills that can convert wind power into electricity. Also thermal and tidal powers are good alternatives. Solar energy is also one of the energy sources that is gaining in appeal. Solar energy has steadily been growing. These days solar energy is widely used in the US and the advantages are numerous. Our solar energy source, the sun, its life span is estimated to be another 4.5 billion years. It is rational to say that this energy source is almost endless. Rate of Energy from the Sun The sun�s radiation reaches a specific unit of area in space in the region of the Earth�s orbit and is estimated to be at 1,400 watts for every square meter. Out of this, photovoltaic cells (also known as solar cells) can capture 19 to 56 watts per square meter (for 15% efficiency) or an equivalent of 0.45 to 1.35 kilowatt per hour (kWh) in an annual day and night average. Therefore, if there would be supplementary area that will be covered by several solar panels, these panels can yield somewhat more energy in the form of electricity than what is at present to be had from oil, gas, and other sources of energy combined (assuming 8% solar cell efficiency). Conversion of Solar Energy At hand are two ways of conversion of solar energy. Initially is the direct solar energy which involves no more than one conversion into a usable form. For example: � Sunlight hits the solar cell, converting it into electricity. � Sunlight hits the absorber surface of a solar thermal collector, converting into thermal energy which can be used to heat up homes all through the cold season. The next is the indirect solar energy which involves other than one conversion to attain a usable form. For example: � Plants make use of photosynthesis to transform solar energy to chemical energy, which can be burned later on as fuel to generate electricity (also known as bio-fuel technology). � Hydroelectric dams and wind turbines are indirectly supplied by solar energy through its interaction with the Earth�s atmosphere. Pros and Cons of Solar Energy Just like any other types of energy resources, solar energy has its ins and outs. Pros: � Pollution-free. � Solar facilities can be run with little additional input or maintenance. � It is abundant. As mentioned earlier, generally of the inhabited areas here on Earth can be reached by sunlight. Cons: � Although it is abundant, non-tropical locations can receive not enough sunlight. Hence, power that will be produced in these locations is at a minimum. � Only throughout daytime hence not accessible during night time. � Photovoltaic cell technologies generate direct current (DC) power which needs to be converted to alternating current (AC) power used in distribution grids. As soon as massive development of the use of solar energy is materialized, expect that each household or industry in the world will at this time be powered by solar energy. It is not merely a dream, it will be a dream come true.
Article Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.net Article Url: http://www.bharatbhasha.net/family.php/227580 Article Added on Sunday, March 28, 2010 | ||||||||
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