Solar Power

Solar power is also referred to as solar energy. In fact a simple way to look at it is solar energy discusses the origin and solar power discusses the application. So let’s look at the applications for solar power with the understanding that solar energy is radiant heat and light from the sun that affects the earth’s weather, climate and sustains life.
Now, solar power can be active (attached to mechanical equipment) or passive (not attached to mechanical equipment).

For instance active solar takes solar energy and turns it into usable energy. That sounds confusing? Well, it’s not really, think of a ventilation system and air flow, like a ceiling fan. Active solar power electrically connects to equipment to cause the ventilation system to work and the ceiling fan to turn. It’s harnessing an external energy source (solar panels) for a specific result.

Passive solar doesn’t use any external energy source to generate power. In this case a solarium will serve as a good example. A solarium that is located on the equator-side of a building is not only using solar energy it is passive solar. It is using the direct sunlight without mechanical support. Other technologies that generate direct or indirect solar gain (this is the temperature generated in a space, room, object or building from the suns radiant heat. The amount of the gain is determined by the sun’s strength combined with the ability of afore mentioned receptors ability to transmit or resist radiation.) Some technologies that use this are, solar water heaters, solar cookers and solar chimneys.

Finally, solar power is an effective way to combat pollution and help reduce global warming. Renewable energy is fast becoming the norm and the smart, well informed consumer is well advised to integrate this limitless, earth friendly resource into their every day living