Solar energy is, simply, energy provided by the sun.

This energy is in the form

of solar radiation, which makes the production of solar electricity possible.
Electricity can be produced directly from photovoltaic, PV, cells. (Photovoltaic
literally means light and electric.) These cells are made from materials
which exhibit the photovoltaic effect i.e. when sunshine hits the PV cell, the
photons of light excite the electrons in the cell and cause them to flow,
generating electricity.
Solar energy produces electricity when it is in demand during the day
particularly hot days when air-conditioners drive up electricity demand.
In use, solar energy produces no emissions. One megawatt hour of solar
electricity offsets about 0.75 to 1 tonne of CO2.
PV panels are being used increasingly, both in the city and in remote locations,
to produce electricity for households, schools and communities, and to supply
power for equipment such as telecommunication and water pumps. The
majority of solar PV installations in Australia are grid-connected systems.
Also, electricity for remote and regional Australian communities has been
supplied by solar energy for many years.
Australia is one of the sunniest countries in the world and there is huge
potential for solar PV to make a significant contribution to electricity
generation.


1. Solar energy is free although there is a cost in the building of collectors and other equipment required to convert solar energy into electricity or hot
water.
2. Solar energy does not cause pollution. However, solar collectors and other associated equipment / machines are manufactured in factories that in turn
cause some pollution.
3. Solar energy can be used in remote areas where it is too expensive to extend the electricity power grid.
4. Many everyday items such as calculators and other low power consuming devices can be powered by solar energy effectively.
5. It is estimated that the worlds oil reserves will last for 30 to 40 years. On the other hand, solar energy is infinite (forever).


Dis
1. Solar energy can only be harnessed when it is daytime and sunny.
2. Solar collectors, panels and cells are relatively expensive to manufacture
although prices are falling rapidly.
3. Solar power stations can be built but they do not match the power output
of similar sized conventional power stations. They are also very expensive.
4. In countries such as the UK, the unreliable climate means that solar energy
is also unreliable as a source of energy. Cloudy skies reduce its effectiveness.
5. Large areas of land are required to capture the suns energy. Collectors are
usually arranged together especially when electricity is to be produced and
used in the same location.
6. Solar power is used to charge batteries so that solar powered devices can
be used at night. However, the batteries are large and heavy and need storage
space. They also need replacing from time to time.
Solar power is energy from the sun and without its presence all life on earth
would end. Solar energy has been looked upon as a serious source of energy
for many years because of the vast amounts of energy that are made freely
available, if harnessed by modern technology.
A simple example of the power of the sun can be seen by using a magnifying
glass to focus the suns rays on a piece of paper. Before long the paper ignites
into flames.
This is one way of using the suns energy, but flames are dangerous and difficult to control. A much safer and practical way of harnessing the suns energy is
to use the suns power to heat up water.
A magnifying glass can be used to heat up a small amount of water. A short
piece of copper tube is sealed at one end and filled with water. A magnifying
glass is then used to warm up the pipe. Using more than one magnifying
glass will increase the temperature more rapidly. After a relatively short time
the temperature of the water increases. Continuing to heat the water will
cause water vapour to appear at the top of the tube. In theory, with enough
patience, several magnifying glasses and very strong sun light enough heat
should be generated to boil the water, producing steam. This is one way of
harnessing solar power.