We already know that electricity, gas and coal are finite resources that we will eventually run out of. The problem is that they are all non-renewable resources that we rely heavily on today. We use these non-renewable resources to keep our societies functioning. When we use all the non-renewable resources up and there are no more left, then what?
How will we function without all the different energy resources that we are so dependant upon? That’s why we need to start thinking more about alternative forms of energy to safeguard our future and that of the planet.
Since time immemorial, man has harnessed solar energy in many ways Exploiting solar energy is important in meeting the need for energy with its almost infinite energy source. It is clean and causes no pollution and its use can save the non-renewable sources. What is astonishing is that most of the other alternative forms of energy are actually derivatives if not associated with solar energies still like the wind, water, biomass and the ocean wave.
If there is one important technological breakthrough in relation solar energy, it is its conversion into electricity. The conversion to electricity is either by use of photovoltaic cell (PV) or by concentrated solar power (CSP). A photovoltaic cell or simply solar cell directly converts sunlight using active solar techniques into electric current using the photoelectric effect. Concentrated solar power indirectly uses passive solar techniques. It uses glasses to focus a wide beam of sunlight into a concentrated beam. The concentrated heat or beam is the heat used in conventional power plants. For this purpose one of the most advanced technology that can be utilized to concentrate light into beam is the parabolic trough.
Solar panels are used to harvest solar energy. The emphasis on the use of solar renewable energy has driven technology to step up in order to meet the recognized needs.The development of solar architecture and planning was stimulated by domestic needs. From domestic and uncomplicated uses like day lighting, potable water distillation and disinfection and solar cooking, it has grown into solar cars, solar batteries, solar updraft power houses, solar satellite systems, and solar lighting systems. Huge solar power stations address the needs of the large scale industries and agriculture.
There are so many benefits to using renewable energy resources. If we fail to do something about them now we may not get the chance in the future.
That’s why this website was created, to help people understand the importance of renewable energy for the future of the planet.