Solar energy is an abundant source of clean power that doesn’t require fossil fuels, nuclear materials, or other dangerous substances. It’s also free, renewable, and sustainable.
Here's what you didn't know about solar power
There are several different ways to generate electricity using solar energy. One method involves placing photovoltaic panels directly onto rooftops. Another option is to use solar thermal collectors, which heat water into steam and then turn turbines to produce electricity. Still another option is to use solar hot air collectors, which capture sunlight and convert it into heat
The Sun Is Our Friend
In addition to providing us with light and warmth, the sun also provides us with an inexhaustible source of renewable energy. It takes approximately 1 kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy to power one 100 watt bulb for one hour. That means that if you were to place enough solar cells on your roof to provide your home with the same amount of energy as a 100-watt bulb would consume in one hour, you would need roughly 2 square miles of solar cells
We Can Harvest it Anywhere
There are two main ways to harvest solar energy: through photovoltaic panels and through thermal collectors. Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity by using semiconductors called diodes. Thermal collectors use mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a heat exchanger, where water is heated and used to generate steam
It's Cheap
In fact, solar power costs less than traditional sources of energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, residential solar systems cost $0.12 per watt installed, while coal-fired plants cost $0.20 per watt. And even though solar power is still relatively expensive compared to other forms of energy, it’s becoming more affordable every year.
It's Green
There are many reasons why people choose solar energy as an alternative source of energy. One reason is because it’s free. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy does not require any fuel to produce electricity. Another reason is that it’s green. Because solar panels use sunlight instead of burning fossil fuels, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions.