Solar Collectors and Photovoltaic Cells - Renewable Energy Sources

Our sun produces an enormous amount of energy, most of which remains untapped. The amount of energy received from the sun is approximately nine thousand times the total energy use of the Earth. Although the sun emits such a vast amount of energy, it remains the least appreciated and utilized renewable source of energy we have on Earth.

There are benefits as well as drawbacks to solar energy; but, there are more positive than negative qualities. In addition to its sheer quantity, solar power does not pollute the environment as do carbon-based fuels currently in use. It is, in fact, a giant nuclear reactor without the problem of storing the spent fuel on Earth. There are no exploration costs associated with solar power either; providing it is not cloudy, we only have to look to the sky to find it. Cloudy days are the main drawback to solar power; however, storage systems address this intermittent problem.

Besides the passive ambient energy that we soak up at the beach or through strategically placed windows and skylights in our buildings, there are two major types of solar power: photovoltaic cells and collectors. Photovoltaic cells are silicon-based modules which absorb the sun's energy and consequently give off electrons. These electrons produce a voltage which can be harnessed as electrical energy. This energy is typically used to charge batteries where it is stored; however, for devices drawing less current, a capacitor may be sufficient. Solar collectors may either be passive or active. Active solar roof-top collector systems, which I have personally installed, work incredibly well. A one hundred square foot collector can easily provide for the hot water needs of a typical home or assist in heating the swimming pool. In the case of hot water, the energy is stored in your home's water heater. In the case of the swimming pool, the pool itself is the storage medium. Historically, the high cost of photovoltaic cells has kept them from being a viable source of commercial energy; but, recent advances in solar cell technology have reduced their price significantly. Observing the current trends, leads me to believe that there will be a growing presence of both types of solar power in the near future.

Since industry leaders in the energy sector have a vested interest in the status quo, they are not inclined to bring about the much needed revolution in renewable energy sources such as solar. The bright side, however, is that there are a growing number of smaller companies that are installing such systems in homes and businesses.