Solar+Energy

= = = Solar Energy (Kristine's Page) = = Solar energy comes from the sun. The sun is like a large power station that supplies us with a renewable source of electricity. Solar energy works in many different ways it can be direct or indirect, or active or passive. Direct energy involves only one step which is transforming it into usable energy with electromagnetic radiation. In indirect energy there is a step in between to become usable energy. In passive energy it requires direct sunlight. For example: solar water heaters use no pump to circulate. Active energy uses the sun and other energy sources such as air blowers, pumps, shutters and much more. Solar energy has always been used but to a certain degree it has changed. People have used solar energy to warm their selves and help grow food for centuries. As for further sources of energy they have been used for over a hundred years. Solar energy has always been used but it is now more modernly being used for things such as the solar panels that make electricity using semiconductors. Solar energy costs a lot more money then conventional hydrocarbon fuels. The average solar energy system costs eight dollars and ninety-five cents. There are many advantages to solar energy. In the long run solar energy will become almost free. It is very good for the environment including it is renewable and clean as well it doesn’t contribute to global warming. Solar energy systems can operate entirely independent with little or no maintenance. The few disadvantages of solar energy include the high price of the initial cost and the efficiency relies on the location of the sun. Solar energy has recently become very popular. Ninety-eight percent of independents support the development of solar energy. Many believe it is the source to a brighter future and a cleaner planet. =

References: Wiki.answers.com Greenecon.net Solar.buzz.com Alternate-energy-sources.com