Solar energy is basically the energy we get from the sun then convert it to other forms such as electrical energy or thermal energy. This conversion can be done indirectly (active solar technology) by concentrating the solar power, indirectly (passive solar technology) by use of photovoltaic (PV) or even through both methods. Below is how you can utilize solar energy to fulfill basic necessities:
Light homes
Solar energy is converted to electrical energy when it is tapped by the solar panel. Normally, these panels are placed in open spaces such as open fields or on the roof tops. They collect the sun’s energy through curved mirrors which are tilted towards the sun. They are curved to concentrate the solar power. These mirrors consist of tiny photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy directly to electric energy. When this light (photons) strikes on the mirrors, a current of electrons occurs. This therefore produces direct current that is directly used or stored in batteries to be used later in the night or when it is cloudy.
Produce hot water
Solar energy can heat water directly or indirectly. The water can be heated directly by just putting it out in the open in a flat plate collector where it gets to heat up. This plate has bonded tubes with water running through them. The water collects heat from the absorbers hence heating up. Also, you can fill up water in a metallic tank and let it absorb heat which in turn is transferred to the water making it hot. Indirect heating is when the solar heat is used in collectors.
These are generally known as solar panels used by solar water heating systems. In most cases, they are found on your rooftop. The shiny surface reflects light to the collector’s absorber hence generating heat. The collectors are mainly parabolic in shape so as to concentrate sunlight heat into a much smaller absorber. The water then absorbs heat by coming into contact with the absorber and transfers it to the storage.
Cooking
You can cook using solar energy by use of a solar cooker. There are three types; panel cookers, curved concentrators and box cookers. The cooker converts solar energy to heat energy and then retains it. But it only works when you are outdoors and it is sunny and it is shielded from strong winds.
Photons from the sun, possessing energy, are focused onto the cook container making food in it to vibrate hence emitting heat. This cook container has the ability to retain heat due to the presence of a plastic bag around the container thus can fry or boil the food
Drying of clothes
After cleaning clothes, instead of using a dryer to dry them, solar energy does that perfectly. All you need to do is hang clothes on the hanging lines where they are exposed to the sun and then the water from the clothes evaporates. It’s an easy and fast way to dry clothes as the rays fall directly on them.
Food preservation
Once you have solar energy, you can use it to preserve some foods. These include maize and meat such as fish and red meat. Also, we have fruits such as grapes, tomatoes, plums, apricots and figs. All you need to do is put then out to dry before you can store them. Once you have completely dried them, be assured you will have them fresh the moment you want to either cook or eat them. This is a cheaper way of preserving food compared to refrigeration or any other available method.
How it creates a sustainable environment:
It is a renewable
Solar energy is not exhaustible unlike other sources of energy such as fossils; coal, oil and natural gas. It actually shares this characteristic with other sources of energy such as wind, water, geothermal and biomass. This makes it clean as it occurs naturally and has no impact on the environment. It does not get any human interference like in the case of mining hence a pure source of energy.
In addition, depletion is not a concern when it comes to solar energy because the sun shines all over the world and even in its absences, the ultra violet rays are released all over the world. This means that everyone can get the free source of energy hence making it readily available to us.
Does not produce any pollutant
Well, solar energy creates no emissions hence making it environmentally friendly. It in fact saves the environment from these emissions because the more widespread solar energy becomes, the less we get to use the other sources of energy. Therefore, we can save up on trees by either not cutting them or planting more. Solar energy is the solution for the rampant deforestation.
The demand and need for energy is a global necessity and satisfying it will always remain a challenge if the solar option is not put into consideration. Solar energy provides the most safe and environmentally safe source of energy and in fact the most affordable compared to other source. Sustainability is almost guaranteed since the ultra violet rays from the sun that are converted into energy are always there even if the sun is not shining.
Combat the greenhouse effect
By using solar energy, we are able to cut down on the use of other sources of energy especially the fossil energy. When these fossil fuels are converted to useful energy through combustion, they pollute the environment by emitting greenhouse gases. This leads to an increased rate of air pollution and global warming.
There are deadly implications as a result of the greenhouse effects. For instance, the current global warming has caused humanity a big deal of loss. This has changed the climate and altered agricultural productivity all over the world. To combat such drastic effects on the planet in order to protect human existence, the use of solar energy could be our remaining safe option as far as energy is concerned.
