How Does Solar Energy Work? - Info on Solar Energy

Image via Wikipedia

In this article I will briefly explain all the main aspect of solar power, including: The Solar Thermal Method, The Photovoltaic Process, Direct & Indirect Energy, Active & Passive Systems, and lastly, Focus Types.
The Solar Thermal Method
With this method, solar panels collect heat from the sun and use this directly to generate heat. This is commonly used for things like swimming pools or heating buildings. The typical way this works is by having tubing circulating water which gets warmed up by the sun rays on the solar panels.
The Photovoltaic Process
This process involves creating electricity from the sun's power. Solar cells contain silicon-based material to absorb the light from the sun (as opposed to absorbing the warmth, which the solar thermal method does). The solar energy excites the solar cell's electrons, producing electricity.
Direct & Indirect Energy

• Direct Energy - this involves using only one step to generate the useable energy. For example, sunlight strikes a solar cell and electricity is generated immediately.
• Indirect Energy - this involves multiple steps to turn the sunlight into useable energy. A very extreme example of this is photosynthesis in plants, which over billions of years eventually turns into coal which we can use to fuel coal power generators.

Active & Passive Systems

• Passive - this uses no active process to use the power of the sun. For example, sunlight through the glass of a greenhouse to keep it warm for plants to grow.
• Active - this involves using other energy to make use of the sun's energy. For example, the use of electric pumps when using solar energy to heat water.

Focus Types

• Point Focus - using a dish to concentrate the sunlight into one point, where there is a dense cluster of solar cells.
• Line Focus - similar to point focus, but using a line of mirrors or a trough shaped dish to focus the light.
• Non-focus - the use of diffuse sunlight. For example, solar thermal panels.

Have you thought about using solar panels to generate your own electricity? Most people pay far too much for their electricity, and the truth is, generating your own power is much easier than most people realize. Don't be one of the many people who pay too much on their energy bills. Visit CheapElectricityBill.info to find out how you can pay less for your electricity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Bournston