Solar Power

Solar power is the usable energy obtained by harvesting the heat and light radiated by the sun. Because the sun continues shining whether we use it or not, solar energy is a sustainable energy source.

 

There are many different things you can do with solar power, apart from tanning on the beach. Two of the main methods to collect solar power are Photovoltaic modules/"Solar Cells" (to generate electricity) and thermal collectors (to generate heat).

 

Photovoltaic solar panels convert the sun's light energy into electricity. The “cells” that collect the heat are arranged on a flat grid and are contained within glass to protect it from any damage. The cells are connected by a type of ribbon that is made of silicone, which transports the energy to a battery. The electricity stored in the battery can then be used immediately or left for later use.

 

Solar thermal collectors are much simpler. Thermal cells store the heat that they gather and transfer it to places that need to be heated. The panels can be put directly over water tanks, homes and swimming pools, or any other place where you need heat.

 

 

As the sun won't stop shining any time soon, solar power is sustainable. Even on cloudy days, sun rays go through the clouds, although with reduced capacities. Solar power is a clean type of energy that doesn’t pollute the air (while in use) like other energy types do. Harvesting solar power also absorbs the excess sunrays in the atmosphere that are being trapped by the greenhouse effect. Therefore, it indirectly reduces global warming.

 

Although it's true that solar energy is a promising compromise, in the sense that it doesn’t use up our planet’s natural resources, there are still a few reasons to hesitate before paneling those roofs.

 

1. You need to consider the location. Where there are favorable sun conditions and the daylight hours remain constant, harvesting solar energy would be easy and effective.

 

2. The cost of manufacturing solar technologies is very high, though it's currently steadily declining.

 

3. With regards to solar electricity: solar power doesn't produce as much energy as the current fossil fuels. In other words: you’ll need a large number of solar panels to be able to produce the same amount of electricity.

 

4. When it comes to solar electricity, another factor that needs to be considered is roofing. If you’re about to apply a solar array and your roof isn’t in tip top shape, the cost of repairing the damage (if it happens that your roof does not last) would be through the roof!

 

5. Although solar energy is a lot greener than traditional fossil fuels, most solar cells are made with cadmium, which is highly toxic to the environment. Thus, eventually disposing of the cadmium could be problematic if not handled correctly. The many lead acid batteries it requires to run an off-grid home solar power system contains both lead and sulphuric acid, toxic to the environment and marine life. They also pose a serious health risk to children. On the bright side, new technologies for the recycling of your lead batteries and also the increase of their life span, have already emerged.