There are a few different types of solar energy and it is important to be familiar with all of them. They are all viable alternatives to using up traditional energy.
Of all the different types, solar cell systems are the one that is most commonly heard of. These are systems that use sunlight to generate electricity. Solar energy systems have semiconductor materials that soak in the light the sun gives off. The reaction that results is responsible for the creation of electricity. This is why solar panels are excellent at heating homes.
A less heard of type of solar energy is called solar hot water, named because the heat from the sun warms the water. Solar hot water systems are now used in many commercial businesses. These systems consist of a storage tank and solar collector.
The solar collector that is the most familiar to people is referred to as a flat plate collector. The plate gets mounted on the roof of a building. Inside a flat plate collector are tubes that hold fluids like anti-freeze solution, and water. The water or solution travels through the tubes while heating up from the sun’s rays. It is then dispensed from the plate to the storage tank.
Solar electricity generated by power plants is also a significant type of energy. There are three systems that power plants can use to generate electricity through the sun’s heat. One is a power tower system, which creates electricity by using a field full of mirrors to project sun onto the tower top. On the tower top is a receiver, and inside that receiver is molten salt. The salt gives off heat, which is released in the form of steam. The steam is then turned into electricity. This system allows power plants to work after sunset and on cloudy days, which most power plants don’t do.
In the case of the Parabolic-trough system, mirrors are placed on an angle that points them in the direction of the sun. The sunlight hits an oil-filled pipe, and water is boiled to be converted to steam. The steam then becomes electricity.
These types of solar energy are extremely important for the world’s future. They ensure that electricity will keep being produced.