Solar Thermal Energy

Sunlight is the ultimate source of energy for all living organisms. Without its rays, the earth will be a desolate place. The sun’s rays draw up into the sky, the waters of the seas and lakes and form the clouds causing rain to fall on the earth.

The sun is the source of all life, plants and animals upon the planet. Much of the solar energy remains unused. A very small fraction is used by plants in photosynthesis, to evaporate the oceans to make clouds, to drive winds.

Most of it is radiated back into space. Solar energy is the prime source for production of vegetation which serves as food and fuel for us.

Light is essential for all major activities of humans. The ultimate source of energy for all life forms is the solar energy in the form of sunlight.

Humans cannot see with the help of sunlight. It is essential for the sense of sight to be active.

It is the source of energy which is trapped by the plants during photosynthesis. The trapped energy in the form of food is passed on to animals when they eat the food manufactured by plants.

Oxygen is also produced during photosynthesis which is essential for the humans.

Sunlight warms up the earth making the temperature conditions suitable for life. If the weather is too hot or cold, humans cannot survive for very long.

Man has now learnt the science of utilizing solar energy. Solar cookers, solar heaters, solar lights etc work on the principle of trapping and converting solar energy into heat or light energy as required.

Nevertheless, the technique of harnessing the solar energy is not 100 % efficient. Photovoltaic cells are just 10 % efficient, while the solar thermal systems about 30% efficient. While there has been a great improvement in the amount of energy extracted, its cost and complexity features are high.

Due to inconsistency in its energy it may not be obtainable when you require it, therefore an energy storing device must be made use of. Electrical batteries are used for photovoltaic cells and storage tanks for thermal systems water. So along with panels to trap solar energy you will also have to buy storage devices, this pushes up its cost.

The big question that crops up in everybody’s mind is when is the efficacy of trapping solar energy going to increase and its material cost going to decrease? As this ultimately will make the system cost effective and encourage people to install it.

Leave a Comment

Roughneck Definition

Roughneck Definition Oil Jobs

The oil and natural gas industry is a huge sector where lot of lucrative jobs are available and skilled personnel are always in demand. Even people who are just starting can find oil jobs and can start their careers in the petroleum industry. There are many types of oil jobs...

read entire definition