07-03-2010, 06:39 AM
Sun, as a source of energy, can produce great amount of renewable energy, for billions of years on a continuous basis. It is calculated that the sun produces almost 3,850,000 exajoules (EJ) of solar energy every year, which is absorbed ay the earth’s landmasses and oceans. It is hard to believe that in one hour, earth absorbs the amount of energy that is sufficient to charge the world’s energy needs for a year. That’s why, it is increasingly becoming logical to invest in solar energy. Solar investments are profitable considering the low costs and increased efficiency of the solar plants.
Solar energy has a great advantage of producing electricity at the place of its usage. Solar thermal energy can be classified as passive or active. Passive solar techniques include selecting materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces that naturally circulate air and positioning buildings to maximize sun exposure.
Active solar techniques use photovoltaic panels, pumps, and fans to convert sunlight into electricity. Often known as supply side technologies, Active solar technologies increase the supply of energy while passive solar technologies reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies.
Solar energy has a great advantage of producing electricity at the place of its usage. Solar thermal energy can be classified as passive or active. Passive solar techniques include selecting materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces that naturally circulate air and positioning buildings to maximize sun exposure.
Active solar techniques use photovoltaic panels, pumps, and fans to convert sunlight into electricity. Often known as supply side technologies, Active solar technologies increase the supply of energy while passive solar technologies reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies.