LSEC N100 Subject Related Research Report Final Submmission
Introduction
Solar Technology is based on using the solar energy which is actually the energy that is received by the earth from the sun. This energy is in the form of solar radiation, which makes the production of solar electricity possible. It is also referred to as a green energy, because it is natural and renewable energy which helps to reduce our current dependency on fossil fuels. For a long time, fossil fuel products were a major cause of the earth pollution and may also be a contributor to climate change (Vermass, Wim. 2007). So, it was clearly shown during the past years that making the switch to natural and renewable energy sources would improve the quality of the environment and the air we breathe.
History
Solar energy has been used by humans for thousands of years and the discovery of solar energy happened in 1839 when the French physicist Edmond Becquerel first showed photoelectric activity. Edmond had found that electrical current in certain materials could be increased when exposed to light. Then in 1905, we gained an understanding of Edmonds' work when the famous physicist Albert Einstein clearly described the photoelectric effect and the principle on which it is based. Later in 1921, Einstein received the Nobel Prize for his theories on the photoelectric effect.
In the mid 1950’s solar cells for practical use were made available when AT&T Labs first developed 6% efficient silicon Solar cells. Today researchers have developed cells with more than 20% efficiencies, which means that out of the total energy that hits the surface of a solar cell about 20% is converted into usable electricity (The History of Solar Power).
The first long-term practical application of solar cells was in satellite systems. In 1958 the Vanguard 1 was launched into space and it was the first orbiting vehicle to be powered by solar energy. Moreover, Silicon Solar cells provided the electrical power to the satellite until 1964 when the system was shut down. The sun provides endless nonpolluting energy to the satellite power systems and demand for solar cells has risen as a result of the telecommunications revolution and need for satellites like Vanguard 1. (Wikipedia).
Current Uses Of Solar Technology
Today, there are practical uses of solar energy such as water, industry, heat, transportation and small electronic products. Many developing countries are pumping water into distant areas by using solar technology. Also it is often used to power TV and radio stations that send out signals. It is also used to power lighthouses, buoys and aircraft warning lights on buildings and other structures. Solar energy is used to heat homes and many people use it to heat their water supply and swimming pools. Furthermore, solar energy has been used to power public transportation vehicles such as cars and buses and even more in traffic signals. In addition, some smaller products that require little energy for power, such as calculators and watches frequently use solar energy (Wikipedia).
Future Uses Of Solar Technology
As the number of people who desire for a cleaner environment grows, so does the solar industry. The uses of solar energy are increasing nowadays as more distributors enter the market and new technologies continue to offer more choice and new products. We might even see the new and unimagined products in our lifetime. Cars might soon be powered by new fuel cells that create electricity through solar energy. Also roofing is capturing the sun's rays and turning them into electricity etc (Carl E.Schoder,2011,p.25-29). The future of using solar energy to replace traditional energy methods is bright; it could be the main source of energy in the world. We can all look forward to using the free solar power in the future. Till now, there is lots of research that indicate the possible usage of solar energy for a better green world.
Impact Of Solar Technology
Switching to solar helps protect our beautiful country and delicate environment, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. The solar energy systems are getting so popular around the world; however it is an advance technology which introduced something new, that is to solve the problem of fossil fuel dependency and related problems of using them. Solar technology is going to introduce a different kind of business that offers the best solutions to all people where confidence and trust is considered the company's major value. They are going to either reduce their electric bills or forget about them. The solar energy technology is focusing on providing solutions for the country as the country's major source of power is the fossil fuel (The economics of solar power, 2008).
Conclusion
To sum up, solar energy is a clean pollution free and renewable source of energy. Solar energy is both cheap and environmentally friendly. Many countries around the world have taken initiatives to use solar power as a stable source of power that contributes to the national grid. In Addition, there are many benefits of using solar energy systems but only a small percentage of the global population is aware of it. The key to success is to popularize the use of solar energy as a means of sustainable energy. One of the factors that will limit the success of a solar energy franchise is the high initial cost of setting up solar power generation (Wikipedia). The solution is by educating public about the massive benefits that result from solar power once the system is installed. For example using solar energy system will reduce electricity bills and reduce the harm on the environment. In my point of view, the solar energy is the best renewable source; if all people think to go to use solar instead of other alternatives it will benefit them because it's very clean, easy to use and low-cost energy.
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Bibliography
· "Solar energy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation Inc, n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2011. <en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy>.
· Country. "Solar power - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation Inc, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power>.
· Schoder, Carl E, "Futurist; Jan/Feb2011, Vol. 45 Issue 1, P25-29, 5p, 1 Diagram, 1 Chart." Business Source Premier. Jan.-Feb. 2011. Web. 2 Apr. 2001. <http://0-web.ebscohost.com.library.hct.ac.ae/ehost/detail?sid=0b3e53bc-f112-4fd4-8930-cce7dc7f813d%40sessionmgr112&vid=3&hid=105&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=buh&AN=55664941>.
· Lorenz, Peter, Dickon Pinner, Thomas Seitz, Diana Farrell, and Jaana K. Remes. "The Economics of Solar Power." Business Source Premier. 2008. Web. 02 Apr. 2011. <http://0-web.ebscohost.com.library.hct.ac.ae/ehost/detail?sid=3606a9d0-695c-45e7-9ce8-0784ea86f4d2%40sessionmgr4&vid=2&hid=14&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=buh&AN=34884133>.
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