| We are in a time when environmental awareness is | | | | Is the process in which the suns energy is converted |
| one of the main global topics. Saving the natural earth, | | | | into electricity, usually on a small scale |
| conserving our environment and taking measures to | | | | Concentrating Solar Power |
| repair the o-zone layer are among the forefront of | | | | This is large scale production of electricity using the |
| current issues. | | | | suns energy |
| In keeping with the "going green" scheme the trend for | | | | Solar energy systems are only efficient if sunlight is a |
| electricity generation is solar power. Solar energy | | | | reliable source. They come in different forms |
| systems use the suns direct heat and convert it into | | | | depending on the individual tastes and requirements. |
| energy. This alternative power method is increasingly | | | | Some systems can be self installed but large scale |
| popular. It may not necessarily conserve energy, but it | | | | energy systems tend to be complex. Many firms offer |
| is not harmful to the environment. | | | | their own types of solar energy systems but all based |
| There are 2 ways to convert the suns heat into | | | | on the above information. |
| energy. | | | | Advantages |
| 1. Passive solar energy | | | | Saves money. Only cost is initial set up cost |
| No mechanical devices are used to utilise the energy, | | | | Environmentally friendly |
| examples are using the sun for natural lighting and | | | | Independent / semi independent |
| heating in your home. | | | | Low/ no maintenance |
| 2. Active solar energy | | | | Disadvantages |
| Implements are needed to harness the energy that | | | | The initial cost is high |
| can be used in the heating of water systems. Solar | | | | In order for the energy to be efficiently captured, a |
| panels, lenses or mirrors, trap the heat which is used to | | | | large area for the solar panels has to be available. |
| heat water while pumps transfer the water through | | | | The entire system relies on the sun thus weather |
| the heating system. | | | | is a large influencing factor. If there are clouds, rain or |
| Solar-energy is converted into 3 groups | | | | pollution production is affected. |
| Solar Thermal Energy | | | | No solar energy is produced at night. But a backup |
| This is the process in which the sun's rays are | | | | system such as a rechargeable solar battery can be |
| converted into heat or used as a heat source. | | | | installed to provide energy at night. |
| Photovoltaic Solar Power | | | | |