An Introduction to Solar Power For Residential Use

Solar power is energy, which comes from the sun has been converted into either heat or electricity. This free, pollution-free versatile source of renewable energy can be used in countless applications, from providing power for cars, RVs, boats, home to even spacecrafts.

Solar collectors, or the more familiar term, solar panels are used to collect and then convert the energy from the sun into solar power that can be used to operate machinery. Solar panels which are used to heat hair or liquid are different from those that convert solar energy into electricity. However, no matter what type of solar panels are used, in order to absorb the largest possible amount of solar energy, the panels must be positioned so that they face the sun directly.

There are two methods that energy from the sun can be converted into solar power. The first method uses solar thermal applications, which directly applies the sun's heat energy to liquid or air to heat them. For this application, solar thermal panels can be used in either small or in larger-scale applications such as for a single family home or for corporate use.

The second method uses photoelectric applications, which involves the use of photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy into electricity. Photovoltaic cells use semiconductors such as silicon to convert solar energy into electricity. These cells are low maintenance and quite suited for use in remote applications.

As with everything on Earth, nothing is perfect. Solar energy does have some disadvantages, starting with the fact that it may be required to use large numbers of panels in order to produce adequate amounts of heat or electricity. The number of panels is not the disadvantage, but the significant financial investment associated with the panels. The next disadvantage is that parts of the world do not receive adequate amounts of sunlight required to generate enough solar energy to produce power. Possible the largest disadvantage is that solar panels cannot generate power at night, or when there isn’t a significant amount of sunlight.

However, with more research and development focused on improving and overcoming these disadvantages, solar-heating technologies will become more efficient and affordable in the coming years. In the near future, solar power may even be used more frequently worldwide and may eventually replace our need for fossil fuels.

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