| Solar power is basically a way of converting the | | | | temperature thermal energy. This is then used to |
| radiant energy from the sun into more usable forms | | | | power steam generators, which convert the thermal |
| such as thermal energy and electricity. Radiant energy | | | | heat into electricity and is a low cost technique, with |
| is so intense that even the low levels that penetrate | | | | relatively no harmful emissions or polluting by- products. |
| the earth's ozone layer still greatly exceed any | | | | Power from the sun can of course only be harnessed |
| possible energy that could be generated from all of the | | | | during the day, and with current technology even a |
| earth's resources such as coal, gas and oil, combined | | | | small amount of cloud cover or shading can |
| into one. In 2005 it was estimated that the sun | | | | dramatically reduce energy production. This is why it is |
| provided a continual source of energy to the earth of | | | | important to store solar energy during optimum days |
| up to as much as 170,000 terawatts, which is far more | | | | of uninterrupted direct sunlight, so that it can be used at |
| than the entire global consumption was estimated at | | | | other 'down times'. Although solar energy is a |
| for the whole year. | | | | renewable and environmentally friendly resource, the |
| Solar energy can be harnessed through a range of | | | | batteries needed to store solar power from sources |
| technology, the most common of which is photovoltaic | | | | like photovoltaic solar panels are expensive and |
| solar panels. These panels are made up of solar cells, | | | | contain toxic materials that pollute the environment, and |
| which contain the semiconductor material silicon. When | | | | also have to be replaced every few years. |
| silicon absorbs solar radiation some of its electrons are | | | | With current technology it is not always possible to |
| knocked free, which then form together into a type of | | | | heat a busy home solely with solar power, especially |
| current. Metal conductors placed throughout the solar | | | | considering the amount of electrical devices and |
| cells collect the electron current, and channel it away | | | | appliances the modern household contains. Most of the |
| to be used as electricity. The amount of power | | | | solar panels systems in domestic settings are mainly |
| collected from these photovoltaic solar panels | | | | used for heating water for both central heating and |
| depends on the internal voltage of the cells and also | | | | washing/bathing, and some people also use solar |
| the amount of solar radiation being absorbed. | | | | power to heat private swimming pools. Solar power |
| Large scale commercial solar power is produced | | | | can help reduce your reliance on conventional energy |
| through the use of CPS technology, which involves | | | | sources, and also save you money on your annual |
| using dish and mirror constructions to capture the solar | | | | electricity bills. |
| energy and concentrate it intensely into high | | | | |