Solar energy is the heat and light energy contained within the sun's rays. Alongside other energy classifications such as wind and tidal, solar is a renewable, sustainable energy source.
Environmental and Economical Advantages to Using Solar Energy
Fossil fuels are primarily used to supply domestic and commercial energy, and are becoming increasingly expensive due to the depleting stocks. Fossil fuels cause significant damage to the natural world releasing carbon when burnt, these non-renewable sources are a threat to the world's habitat.
Understanding How Solar Energy Works
Solar energy is categorized into two main sections: active and passive. Active solar systems are the systems put in place to intentionally capture solar energy, such as photovoltaic plates or pump arrangements. These methods of collecting solar energy are used to heat buildings or create solar electricity.
Passive systems are less focused on collecting energy, but utilizing the suns energy with as little technology as possible. A home that has been constructed with thermal heat property materials and that boasts south facing windows is a home that exhibits passive solar systems.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Despite having advantageous effects on the environment, solar energy has been negatively criticized in other areas.
Solar energy is considered a renewable energy source, for the sun will forever be in existence. On the contrary, the sun's exposure is limited to each area of the world for a selected period of time per day, resulting in a lack of presence overnight, thus, solar energy cannot be collected for use. The same applies for environments that do not experience substantial sun exposure, however technology is rapidly developing and specialists are creating systems that will continue to be resourceful even in poor weather conditions.
Finally, despite solar energy being classified as free, financial implications are severe upon instalment of specialist systems. However, after several years in place, system instalment fees are counteracted by savings made from avoiding non-renewable energy usage, concluding that solar energy is a respected energy source.
