All the solar energy throughout our solar system is derived from the star we refer to as the sun through nuclear processes.

Without such energy life on planet Earth would not exist since it supplies both heat and light energy, which in turn provides the mechanism of photosynthesis by which our food supply is able to grow.

On planet Earth today there is an almost insatiable demand for electricity, and primarily the electricity is produced by methods which pollute the air which we breath, and may have longer term effects, as yet unknown, on our climate.

The supplies of the fossil fuels by which we produce electricity are not unlimited and much attention is now being given to the use of solar energy to meet societies demand for energy. Solar energy is limitless within our recognition of time periods ( It is estimated that it will last for a further 5 billion years), it is free and environmental friendly.

What Can We Get From Solar Energy?

All of the current common needs for which we use electricity can be met by using solar energy. The’ know how’ exists, but often lack of governmental motivation and the initial expense involved, interfere with converting to the total use of solar energy. Today this form of energy can be used for –

-          Generating electricity.

-          Heating water supplies.

-          Providing power for all household appliances, (fridges, ovens, washing machines, etc). Heating the home in colder climates and powering all the other gadgets around the home like TV’s and computers.

-          Providing the fuel for electric transport such as small automobiles, or electric trains.

The paradox is of course, that the demand for solar energy currently outstrips by a great margin the supply, when all we have to do is create the facilities required for its collection, although some effort is being made by the use of solar panels.

Some Facts — Collecting Solar Energy from Solar Panels.

Lets talk about a small domestic installation rated at 1 Kilowatt. (A kilowatt is the amount of electricity required to power a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours. A typical domestic installation would need –

-          A battery and charge controller.

-          Solar panels and an inverter.

-          Support structures and wiring.

Such a 1Kw system could be installed in a couple of days. and cost about $10,000 for the initial installation. It would need a space of about 100 sq .ft .to accommodate the 12 solar cells.

If this solar energy system was installed, then the savings would be a reduction in the amount of coal burnt by 170 pounds, thus preventing about 300 pounds of CO2 gas being released to the atmosphere, and save approximately 105 gallons of water each month.

By receiving an average of 6 hours sunlight every day, 1.600Kw of electricity would be produced each year.

By the use of the backup battery pack the solar panels will operate continually even at night time.

If the above benefits of the use of solar panels for the usage of solar energy for the generation of electricity where to be translated onto a global scale. There would not be any problem in meeting the insatiable demand for electricity, and would go a long way to reducing the many pollution problems affecting our planet

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