The energy being one of the main sectors that contribute the most to climate change, it is time that we begin to replace fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, for other alternatives. Luckily, there are other energy sources that do not generate so much impact on the environment, one of them is the energy of the sun. For this reason, in this ecology article we will talk about What is solar energywhat is used for and its advantages and disadvantages. If you want to learn everything on the subject, we invite you to continue reading.
What is the energy of the sun and what is it for
In this section we will develop what the energy of the sun is, what it is for and its types. To better understand the theme, we will divide the content into three parts. Let’s start!
What is the energy of the sun
The energy of the sun, also called solar energy, is the Radiant energy of 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, that is, it does not generate pollutants (or at least not as many as those that produce non -renewable energies), and it is inexhaustible, at least in the human time scale.
TYPES OF SOLAR ENERGY
The energy of the sun can be divided into two types according to the use of it:
- Solar thermal energy: Here the energy from the sun is transformed into thermal energy, also called heat.
- Photovoltaic solar energy: In this case, solar energy is transformed into electrical energy from the so -appointed solar panels.
What is solar energy for
As for the uses of solar energy, we cannot fail to mention the biological importance that it presents since all living beings inhabit the planet Earth need from solar energy to live. In principle, the rays that affect the planet, among other factors, increase the temperature of the earth’s surface making life possible on Earth. Also, they allow regulating the temperature of those ectoterms organisms, such as reptiles that are not able to regulate their own temperature. In addition, from the energy of the sun, the autotrophic organisms (that is, plants, algae and cyanobacteria) carry out photosynthesis, a key process within the trophic chain.
On the other hand, the energy of the sun can be exploited for people’s daily activities, replacing fossil energy sources that are typically used. Let’s see here what solar energy can be used.
- Electricity: Possibly the most widespread use. As we mentioned before, thanks to solar panels, the energy of the sun is transformed into electricity. This electricity can be used to supply a home or other types of building, as well as for public lighting, traffic lights and more.
- Means of transport: Because there are already means of transport whose fuel is electricity, the electricity produced from the energy of the sun can be used as fuel.
- Heating: In this case, solar thermal energy is used. In this way, solar energy can be used to heel environments and avoid the use of other fuels.
- Artificial irrigation: Here solar water pumps are used with which crops are irrigated from the energy generated by solar panels.
To deepen this issue more, we recommend you read these other ecology articles about what solar energy and use of solar energy are for.
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 one in which sun’s energy is transformed into electricity from photovoltaic panels or solar panels. This transformation occurs thanks to the silicon presented by the photovoltaic cells that are part of the panels. When cells receive sunlight, electrons move and generate an electric current, which is known as photovoltaic effect.
- In solar thermal energy, that energy of the sun that is transformed into heat energy, panels called solar thermal panels are also used. These panels absorb and concentrate the energy of the sun with the aim of heating some type of fluid that will then be used, for example, to heating environments.
Read more about what solar panels are and how they work in this other post.
Advantages and disadvantages of solar energy
Like any energy source, sun energy has certain advantages and disadvantages. Next we will develop both.
ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY
- It is an inexhaustible energy source.
- It is a clean energy source, since it does not generate waste or negative impacts on the environment.
- It allows to produce energy in places where there is no electricity grid.
- In the long term it is more economical than another type of energy.
- The facilities do not require too much maintenance.
Disadvantages of solar energy
- Solar energy is not constant, it depends on the moment of the day and the geographical location.
- Being discontinuous, solar accumulators are needed to store energy.
- The use systems, such as solar panels, occupy considerable surfaces.
- While in the long term it is economical, initial investments are required.
Know more about the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy reading this other article. In addition, below you can watch a video about this renewable energy.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is solar energywe recommend that you enter our category of renewable energy.
- Production systems. Energy and sustainable development. National University of Distance Education (UNED). Retrieved from: https://www2.uned.es/biblioteca/energiaRenovable3/systems.htm#Solar
