SOLAR TECHNOLOGY

Solar Technology is bringing the world closer to obtaining our energy from sustainable sources. This will have profound results as we in turn reduce our dependence on oil and coal, the leading sources of energy globally today.

By limiting our dependence on these non-renewable and CO2 producing energy sources we deplete the Earth as well as reducing the harmful emissions that contribute to global warming.

The science behind harnessing the 174 petawatts of solar radiation that reaches the Earth’s upper atmosphere for practical use such as energy is called solar technology.

The Earth absorbs solar energy in the land, oceans and plants and warms the Earth as well as being converted by plants into an energy called photosynthesis.

The Earth absorbs approximately 3,850,000 exajoules each year, this roughly equates to more energy in just one hour than the world will use in one year!

The process of solar technology is generally split into two categories: passive or active, and is characterized by the method in which they capture, convert and distribute the energy. Between the two categories of solar technology the sun can provide us with lighting, heat and to heat water as well as the conversion to electricity.

Passive solar technology selects materials that have constructive thermal properties as well as designing spaces that will utilize the natural air circulation and location of the sun.  The location, design and structure of buildings have been influenced by the sun since the beginning of architecture.

Examples of this are the orientation of a structure to the sun, low surface area in ratio to volume, shading and thermal mass.

Additionally an installation of solar lighting utilizes the sun’s natural light without adding additional heat. Passive technology reduces the need for other resources and is considered demand side technology.

Active solar technology use pumps, fans and photovoltaic panels to convert the natural sunlight to useful energies.

Solar panel that collects the sun’s energy and provides heat for water and or homes is one of the most common active solar technology processes.

There are also solar plants that collect, concentrate and store the sun’s energy to be converted to electricity to many homes and businesses.

The sunlight is concentrated before being converted and or stored and this type of characterization is considered supply side technology.  This includes solar heaters, cooking surfaces, battery chargers and many more.

Much progress is being made in solar technology devices as we strive to reduce global warming and decrease our dependence on oil and coal for our energy supplies.

One such device is in the experimental phase and is called a solar updraft tower or solar chimney. It is a large greenhouse that funnels into a central tower. The tower works along with the greenhouse.

As the greenhouse collects the sun’s light and heat the air expands and travels up the tower where a turbine then converts the air flow into electricity.

As we expand our knowledge and explore our options we come closer to a more sustainable way of life and help to secure the Earth we depend so much on.