The sun-directly or indirectly-is the primary source for most types of power located on Earth. Solar power is clean, abundant and renewable.
Though we think of solar power as a new discovery, ancient civilizations located innovative ways to make use of solar power. Among them, the Greeks, Romans and Chinese all created ways to make use of solar warmth for their homes, including employing southern exposures to maximize solar heating and producing use of solar lighting.
Now, thanks to innovative technologies, it's possible to capture this power, concentrate it, shop it and convert it into electrical energy.
Sunlight is converted into electrical energy employing solar cells. Solar cells are also named photovoltaic cells, or "PV cells" for short. PV cells had been first created in the 1950s for use in American space satellites. Right now, they're utilized for energy needs ranging from telecommunications to rural electrification. PV cells may be located on items we use every day, such as calculators, flashlights, radios, landscape lighting and children's toys.
Portable solar photovoltaic units are also obtainable for emergency and disaster use, such as keeping cell phones and small appliances charged when the user is away from the grid or for the duration of blackouts.
Buyers can harness the power of the sun for themselves much more effortlessly than ever. Solar panels you see on buildings and homes happen to be accessible on the market for decades. New systems-which incorporate solar into roofing shingles-are now aesthetically pleasing, effective and durable.
2006 ushers in new tax credits for solar power technologies and buyers may perhaps also be eligible for state rebates.
Sunlight isn't only utilized to generate electricity. It is also used to heat water, which may be utilized to warm homes and companies. Solar-powered radiant heating systems run some industrial processes and drive turbines to generate electrical energy. Quite a few solar thermal technologies happen to be utilized in homes for decades and may last more than 20 years.
Experts think that solar power technologies can benefit this nation in numerous ways. They've the possible to assist diversify this country's power provide, reduce the dependence on imported fuels, increase air quality, offset greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate the economic climate by helping to make jobs in the manufacturing and installation of solar power systems.
