Wikipedia states that "Solar energy technologies harness the sun's energy for practical ends. These technologies date from the time of the early Greeks, Indian, Native Americans and Chinese, who warmed their buildings by orienting them toward the sun. Modern solar technologies provide heating, lighting, electricity and even flight" In this article we will discuss how solar power works, the types of technologies available and where it is in use today.

Solar technology has the potential to shift the way in which homes and business generate electricity. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that is produced by the sun's rays. This energy can be tapped indirectly as wind, biomass and hydroelectric power and directly as solar energy (thermal and photovoltaic). In this article, we'll shed light in how this type of technology works and how you can take advantage.

Some classifications of solar technology are active, passive, direct and indirect. Active solar systems use electrical and mechanical components such as tracking mechanisms, pumps and fans to convert sunlight into usable outputs such as heating, lighting or electricity. Passive solar systems use non-mechanical techniques of controlling, converting and distributing sunlight into usable forms. Direct solar generally refers to technologies or effects that involve a single conversion of sunlight which results in a usable form of energy. Indirect solar generally refers to technologies or effects that involves multiple transformations of sunlight which result in a usable form of energy.

Solar technology has impacted many common practical products. Residential solar products have proven themselves to be extremely reliable. A thermal mass is a body that absorbs and holds heat. In the context of solar energy, it is a mass designed to store heat during sunny periods and release heat when sunlight levels are reduced or unavailable. A properly sized thermal mass will smooth out temperature swings and help keep rooms at a comfortable temperature throughout the day and night. Solar power may already be at work in your life and you may not even realize. Solar technology has made common household products environmentally friendly. For instance, if you have a calculator powered by a small cell instead of a battery - then that's solar power. Since solar technology is relatively new, the equipment to collect and use it are costly. However, costs are coming down as the materials are mass produced and the technology advances. It's only a matter of time until everyone is using a renewable source of energy to power their home or business.

Solar power will allow our children to have energy once nonrenewable resources have been exhausted. We have the technology to ensure a never ending supply of power, but governments must make solar technology affordable to the masses. Only then will we see the widespread use of sun energy and reap the benefits of being environmentally conscious.

Tags: Heating, Insulation, Cooling