Solar energy is a type of renewable energy that is harnessed from the sun. It is considered the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source on the planet. People can take advantage of the light and heat radiation from the sun in different ways, such as using solar energy systems for homes to power up electrical appliances or to provide heat during the winter season.
As years go by, numerous technological breakthroughs have transformed solar energy into one of the most efficient and affordable options in the renewable sector. Aside from the guaranteed sustainability, solar energy has become an industry of its own that now attracts major investments and provides job opportunities to millions of people all over the world.
Different Types of Solar Energy
Thanks to the genius of so many scientists who devoted their time and effort to understanding how solar energy works and how we can maximize its potential for our own sake.
There are different types of solar energy being utilized all over the world. The well-known ones are photovoltaic and thermal energy, while passive and hybrid solar energy are not so common but are just as interesting as the first two mentioned.
Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Energy
Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy is the most commonly used type of solar energy in the world, and solar panels are used to collect solar power that is converted to electrical energy. Vc cells found in the panels ionize when they get hit by sunlight, which releases electrons that interact with each other and, in the process, generate electrical current.
The majority of the solar energy systems installed in homes and businesses use PV solar energy for their power needs. PV systems are considered modular since they can be scaled from small rooftop installations to large solar farms. Thanks to the continuous advancement in technology, the efficiency of solar panels has increased, and the costs have decreased, making PV solar energy systems a very attractive renewable energy option.
Solar Thermal Energy
From the word "thermal," this type of solar energy makes use of solar thermal collectors that harvest solar radiation and then convert it to heat. These collectors not only collect but also store solar radiation to heat water for later use. This solar energy system can support heating or hot water systems for residential, commercial, and even industrial use.
Passive Solar Energy
Passive solar energy does not rely on any mechanical system to get the desired result. Instead, it relies on design strategies and construction solutions. Building orientation is an example of a design strategy. A building will be strategically designed with south-facing windows for maximum sunlight exposure and penetration during the winter months for heating purposes. Using construction materials such as concrete, brick, and tile into a building's structure helps in heat absorption and retention. These construction solutions can store solar heat during the day, and then the heat is released naturally during the night as things cool down, providing natural temperature regulation in the building.
Hybrid Solar Energy
Last but not least, this setup makes use of a combination of a solar energy system and another type of power supply, usually a renewable energy source. The solar and wind power combo is the most common example of hybrid solar energy. Solar panels and wind turbines collect solar energy and wind energy, respectively, that are then converted to electricity ready for consumption.
Different Ways People Utilize Solar Energy
Solar energy would not be used widely if not for its multi-purpose features. Below are some of the ways people make use of the collected power from the sun.
Electricity - Using photovoltaic solar panels to produce electricity is one of the major uses of solar energy on this planet. As years go by, seeing solar panels installed on the roofs of residential homes as well as commercial buildings is becoming more and more common. Aside from the promise of long-term savings on the electric bill, going for a more sustainable and green practice is highly encouraged in the hopes of a better and cleaner future.
Heating - Through the use of solar thermal panels, solar radiation heats the water that powers the radiators and heating systems of people's homes and offices.
Hot Water - Aside from heating homes, solar thermal energy can produce hot water that is clean and even potable.
Irrigation - Solar panels can generate electrical energy that is needed for agricultural irrigation. Fortunately, the season with the highest water demand is also the same time when solar radiation is at its peak. This can come in handy for farmers so they do not need to rely on manual irrigation.
Lighting - One of the best uses of solar energy is the ability to supply power to street lights. This not only helps light up the paths but also helps decrease the public's electricity expenditures since it is a green and renewable type of energy source.
Advantages of Using Solar Energy
The solar energy industry is a robust sector that is bound to grow continuously over the years. There are numerous advantages to using all these types of solar energy, making it a compelling choice for both environmental and economic reasons. Here are some key benefits:
Renewable and Unlimited: Solar energy is a renewable source of energy that comes from a long-lasting and unlimited source, none other than the sun.
Clean and Green: Since it comes from the sun, this type of power source is considered the cleanest in the world. Solar energy does not emit any harmful chemicals, so there is no threat to the environment when it is utilized.
Reduced Electricity Bills: Using solar energy systems to generate electricity for homes and businesses reduces the reliance on the traditional grid, which leads to reduced electricity bills.
Generate Job Opportunities: As mentioned earlier, the solar industry is continuously growing, and new jobs are being created in the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance sectors of this industry.
Quiet: Another reason why using solar energy is considered clean is because it does not contribute to noise pollution either. Generating solar power is quiet, so there is no need to worry about adding to the loud buzz and hubbub of the world.
Wide Applicability and Accessibility: From powering residential homes to large-scale utility grids, solar energy solutions can easily adapt and cater to the user's requirements. Additionally, solar technologies can provide hot water heating and even contribute to passive building design for improved energy efficiency. Lastly, solar energy systems are easy to install and adapt to any place, making them a viable and reliable energy source even in remote areas.
Final Thoughts
By understanding these diverse approaches to solar energy as well as their hard-to-ignore advantages, we can leverage this clean and abundant resource to meet our heating, cooling, and electricity needs in a sustainable manner. Having several types of solar energy available in the market now is a good thing too because each kind has its strengths and applications, making solar energy a versatile and impactful renewable energy source.
We want to acknowledge the valuable contributions of professional writer, Ann Mathew, for the research and content provided in this blog titled: Types of Solar Energy. Thank you, Ann, for your expertise and hard work!
