Solar power is a free, non-polluting, renewable resource that is always available. For a long
time, experts have been experimenting the most efficient methods of its use. Here are some basic
facts on how it is currently being used.
Solar power is very versatile. By using photo voltaic cells it can be converted into electricity. It
can be used directly to heat water. When it is used this way it is known as 'passive solar' using it
to convert to electricity is known as 'active solar'. Solar energy is received in a weak form which
does make it somewhat limiting. If we are to use it effectively then we have to discover a way of
harnessing the power and concentrating it.
People have used solar power in passive systems for hundreds, even thousands, of years, for example
in lighting fires, heating water, drying wood, and so on. Solar water heaters are now in use in many
places where sunlight is available for most days in the year, and there are also solar power plants
in existence, which concentrate the sun's energy and generate large amounts of electricity. This
kind of power plant is especially useful and economical in out of the way places where it is
difficult to get conventional electricity. Solar power is even put to use in outer space, by
satellites and space craft.
Recently, much interested has been generated in the idea of using solar power as a means to run
power motor vehicles. This is still very much at an experimental stage. The huge amount of power
required by a car's engine would mean using very large solar panels. This is impractical due to the
size and fragility of the panels. There is also the problem that when the sun is not shining, they
wouldn't run for very long. In this instance, we are along way from using solar power to run our
cars.
Solar power demand is on the up but right now the costs prevent it from being a widely used energy
means. The technology is available but the cost of converting the solar power into energy is too
high. Fuel costs are also rising however which means that solar power will be a viable alternative
if this continues. Present day fuels also have an environmental impact and people are becoming more
aware of this and want to find environmentally friendly alternatives using clean energy.
Manufacturers will find it more feasible to produce solar powered devices because of this rising
demand.
