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What Type Of Solar Energy Is Right For You?
Because it is a non polluting form of energy, the use of solar energy is predicted to grow exponentially in the coming years. There are a variety of styles being implemented, but which one is right for you and your needs?
Thermal conversion and photovoltaic conversion are the two methods of solar energy used today. Using the heat of the sun to make electricity is known as solar conversion. Specialized material that can directly turn sunlight into electricity is involved in photovoltaic conversion.
Sunlight is necessary to solar conversion as the name implies. Sunlight Powered This also uses reflectors and mirrors to create large amounts of heat from exposure to the sun. (Thermal energy is a type of energy). The method used to start fires with a magnifying glass is called solar thermal conversion. The magnifying glass lens concentrates the suns rays to create a pinpoint of intense heat. Actual solar cells used to store heat use this method to superheat liquids that produce steam. The steam produced can turn a turbine and produce electricity.
Light converted to electricity is the definition of Photovoltaic Conversion. Photovoltaic cells usually consist of panels, which contain two layers of different materials. This is accomplished when sunlight comes into contact with the two surfaces, causing each to attain an opposite charge. A regular battery has a positive end and a negative end and when a wire connects the two ends, they produce an electric current. When the two layers inside a solar panel are exposed to sunlight it creates electricity.
The efficiency of a single solar cell is determined by its exposure to direct sunlight. Both time and intensity of sunlight will play a factor.
Solar cells are used today to power anything from small personal devices, such as cell phones, to large communities. Solar power offers many benefits including the fact that it can be portable, and that it protects the earth.
As written earlier, if you have ever used a hand held or lighted magnifying glass to light a fire|to spark a flame, you have used solar energy.
The devices offered today are more efficient and effective then ever before. The use of solar power is very promising for our use now and into the future.
About the Author Learn more about creating energy with solar power and a magnifying glass. Stop by Julie Manther's site where you can find out all about intensifying light with a lighted magnifying glass and what it can do for you.
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