Solar energy consists of the light and heat which is emitted by the sun as electromagnetic radiation.
We are able to capture this electromagnetic radiation and turn it into usable forms of solar energy, such as heating or electricity, with the help of today's technology.
Although one could go into technical dissertations on the subject of electromagnetic radiation, how it is converted into solar energy, and the exact qualities of its electromagnetic rays, this is not something the average person needs or wants to know.
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But in order to be able to benefit from the use of solar energy, there are a few facts you should know. Knowing these facts can assist you to make sound decisions, when looking at the use of solar power as a clean energy source for your home, RV, or whatever the case may be.
Solar Energy Environmental Facts
All life on earth is dependent upon solar energy. Even the lowest life forms, such as plankton and microbes, need solar energy (in the form of sunlight) in order to survive.
Solar energy is completely environmental friendly, producing absolutely no carbon emissions or other harmful byproducts whatsoever.
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| Harvesting solar energy |
Solar energy can be used successfully and cost-effectively just about anywhere on the planet. You do not need to live in a tropical or desert climate in order to benefit from the use of solar energy. Solar power has been used successfully in many cold climates and even in the polar regions.
Currently, the cheapest and most effective way of using solar energy in your home is through the use of solar water heating systems. In fact, solar water heating systems have been commercially available in the United States for over a 100 years.
Solar energy can be used for heating homes effectively in cold climates, as well as in warm climates. In fact, solar heating has been in use many cold-climate northern European countries for several decades now.
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Solar energy technology has advanced to the point where it can be now be a viable and cost-effective replacement for regular grid-electricity.
Solar energy is rapidly increasing in popularity - so much so that the demand for solar-powered gadgets is currently greater than the supply.
Solar Energy Usage
Solar energy can be used to provide electricity, heating and hot water for homes.
Solar energy can also be used to heat swimming pools. In fact, many pools in Scandinavia and Europe are heated with solar energy.
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| Solar power plant |
Solar Energy can be used to power vehicles, such as solar powered cars, and even a solar powered airplanes. NASA has successfully designed, built, and tested an airplane which is powered wholly by solar energy.
A few examples are: solar battery chargers, solar flashlights, solar calculators, solar radios, solar-powered attic fans, solar power backpacks (to recharge batteries for small devices), hybrid solar chargers (for cell phones, satellite phones, and more), solar-powered garden lights ... and much, much more.
