SOLAR POWER
There are three main ways that we use the Sun's energy:-
1. SOLAR CELLS (really called "photovoltaic", "PV" or "photoelectric" cells) that convert light directly into electricity.
In a sunny climate, you can get enough power to run a 100W light bulb from just one square metre of solar panel.
This was originally developed in order to provide electricity for satellites, but these days many of us own calculators powered by solar cells.
1. SOLAR CELLS (really called "photovoltaic", "PV" or "photoelectric" cells) that convert light directly into electricity.
In a sunny climate, you can get enough power to run a 100W light bulb from just one square metre of solar panel.
This was originally developed in order to provide electricity for satellites, but these days many of us own calculators powered by solar cells.
SOLAR WATER HEATING
2. SOLAR WATER HEATING where heat from the Sun is used to heat water in glass panels on your roof. This means you don't need to use so much gas or electricity to heat your water at home.
Water is pumped through pipes in the panel. The pipes are painted black, so they get hotter when the Sun shines on them. The water is pumped in at the bottom so that convection helps the flow of hot water out of the top.
This helps out your central heating system, and cuts your fuel bills. However, with the basic type of panel shown in the diagram you must drain the water out to stop the panels freezing in the winter. Some manufacturers have systems that do this automatically. Solar water heating is easily worthwhile in places where you get lots of sunshine.
Water is pumped through pipes in the panel. The pipes are painted black, so they get hotter when the Sun shines on them. The water is pumped in at the bottom so that convection helps the flow of hot water out of the top.
This helps out your central heating system, and cuts your fuel bills. However, with the basic type of panel shown in the diagram you must drain the water out to stop the panels freezing in the winter. Some manufacturers have systems that do this automatically. Solar water heating is easily worthwhile in places where you get lots of sunshine.
SOLAR FURNACES
3. SOLAR FURNACES use a huge array of mirrors to concentrate the Sun's energy into a small space and produce very high temperatures. There's one at Odeillo, in France, used for scientific experiments.
It can achieve temperatures up to 3,000 degrees Celsius.
Solar furnaces are basically huge "solar cookers". A solar cooker can be used in hot countries to cook food.
It can achieve temperatures up to 3,000 degrees Celsius.
Solar furnaces are basically huge "solar cookers". A solar cooker can be used in hot countries to cook food.
