solar power. Power obtained by harnessing the energy of the sun’s rays.
What is solar energy?
Image: Fernando Tomรกs
Solar energy has always been considered as a great power source because of the vast amounts of energy made available, if harnessed effectively by modern technology. Previous page images : Fernando Tomรกs, GbbIT, Utente:Jollyroger, RSteen
Simple example‌
Image: spacepleb
By using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of sun on a piece of paper you can ignite the paper into flames. This is a great example of the power of the sun.
Solar panels
Image: IntelFreePress
Solar panels are a mix of magnifying glass and little pipes filled with fluid. The glass front focuses the rays of the sun on these pipes behind it.
The fluid heats up and pipes absorb the heat rapidly.
Solar panel The silver surface of the solar panel reflects the light and heats up the fluid even more. The heat is then used to heat up water in your house or is transformed into electricity.
Watch the video: How PV solar panels are made
Did you know? Solar power supplies satellites that orbit the Earth. This renewable energy is free and doesn’t produce any waste or pollution.
In sunny countries it can be used in very remote places supplying the community.
What are the disadvantages? It doesn’t work at night It is expensive to build the power station Often can be unrealisable, it all depends on the weather after all