Energy being one of the main sectors that contribute the most to climate change, it is time for us to start replacing fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, with other alternatives. Luckily, there are other sources of energy that do not generate as much impact on the environment, one of them is solar energy. For this reason, in this article from Green Ecology we will talk about what solar energy is , what it is used for and its advantages and disadvantages. If you want to learn everything about the subject, we invite you to continue reading.
What is solar energy and what is it used for?
In this section we will discuss what solar energy is, what it is used for and its types. To better understand the topic, we will divide the content into three parts. Let’s get started!
What is solar energy?
Solar energy, also called solar energy, is the radiant energy from the Sun that reaches the planet Earth in the form of electromagnetic radiation . It is generated by nuclear fusion reactions. It is worth mentioning that solar energy is a type of renewable energy, therefore, it is considered a type of clean energy, meaning that it does not generate pollutants (or at least not as many as those produced by non-renewable energies), and it is inexhaustible, at least on the human time scale.
Types of solar energy
Solar energy can be divided into two types depending on how it is used:
- Solar thermal energy: here the energy from the sun is transformed into thermal energy, also called heat energy.
- Photovoltaic solar energy: in this case, solar energy is transformed into electrical energy using the so-called solar panels.
What is solar energy used for?
As for the uses of solar energy, we cannot fail to mention its biological importance, since all living beings that inhabit the planet Earth need solar energy to live. In principle, the rays that fall on the planet, among other factors, increase the temperature of the Earth’s surface, making life on Earth possible. They also allow the temperature of ectothermic organisms to be regulated, such as reptiles that are not able to regulate their own temperature. Furthermore, using the sun’s energy, autotrophic organisms (that is, plants, algae and cyanobacteria) carry out photosynthesis, a key process within the food chain.
On the other hand, solar energy can be used for people’s daily activities, replacing the fossil energy sources that are typically used. Let’s see here how solar energy can be used.
- Electricity: Possibly the most widespread use. As we mentioned before, thanks to solar panels, the sun’s energy is transformed into electricity. This electricity can be used to power a home or other type of building, as well as for street lighting, traffic lights, and more.
- Means of transport: Since there are already means of transport that use electricity as fuel, electricity produced from the sun’s energy can be used as fuel.
- Heating: in this case, solar thermal energy is used. In this way, solar energy can be used to heat rooms and avoid the use of other fuels.
- Artificial irrigation: solar water pumps are used here to irrigate crops using energy generated by solar panels.
To learn more about this topic, we recommend reading these other articles from Green Ecology on What solar energy is used for and the Uses of solar energy .
How solar energy works
As we have seen in the previous section, there are two types of solar energy and each of them works in a different way. In the next two items we will talk about how photovoltaic and thermal solar energy is obtained .
- Photovoltaic solar energy is that in which the sun’s energy is transformed into electricity from photovoltaic panels or solar panels. This transformation occurs thanks to the silicon present in the photovoltaic cells that are part of the panels. When the cells receive sunlight, the electrons move and generate an electric current, which is known as the photovoltaic effect.
- In solar thermal energy, the energy from the sun that is transformed into heat energy, panels called thermal solar panels are also used. These panels absorb and concentrate the sun’s energy in order to heat some type of fluid that will then be used, for example, to heat environments.
Advantages and disadvantages of solar energy
Like any energy source, solar energy has certain advantages and disadvantages. We will discuss both below.
Advantages of solar energy
- It is an inexhaustible source of energy.
- It is a clean source of energy, since it does not generate waste or negative impacts on the environment.
- It allows energy to be produced even in places where there is no electrical grid.
- In the long term, it is more economical than other types of energy.
- The facilities do not require much maintenance.
Disadvantages of solar energy
- Solar energy is not constant, it depends on the time of day and the geographical location.
- Being discontinuous, solar accumulators are needed to store the energy.
- Energy harvesting systems, such as solar panels, occupy considerable areas.
- Although it is economical in the long term, initial investments are required.
