30 Interesting Facts about Solar Energy

We all know non-renewable sources of energy like oil, gas, and coal are likely to diminish in the near future.

It is high time that we reduce our dependency on non-renewable sources of energy to power household appliances like portable water heaters and begin extensively tapping renewable sources of energy like solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, etc.

Out of all the renewable sources of energy the most promising is solar energy. First and foremost, solar energy is significantly better for the environment than fossil fuels. Did you also know that by implementing solar energy, and by having the right tax tools, you could potentially save quite a bit of money in the long run. Overall though, solar energy is a pretty unique topic in general. In this post, we are going to share some cool solar energy facts that will aid and assist you in understanding how solar energy can help us meet our energy requirements.   

Facts about Solar Energy - Solar Energy Uses

1. The Sun is in the center of our solar system and it takes approximately 8 minutes for the sunlight to reach our planet earth. It takes a few more seconds for it to hit the photovoltaic cells.

2. There are technologies available for harnessing this radiant energy from the sun. We have photo-voltaic cells, solar heaters, and various other solar energy systems.

3. The photovoltaic cells are made of semi-conductor materials. When sunlight hits the cell, the electrons loosen from their atoms. As the electrons flow through the cell, they generate electricity.

4. The first solar cell was made of silicon. Built by Bell Laboratories, it came into existence in 1954.

5. Solar panels consisting of a large group of photo-voltaic cells are extremely effective to power street lights.

6. Regions where the sun is clear for the major part of the year are the best sites for the settling up of various solar power companies that supply off-grid solar energy systems to the population of the region, enabling them to produce their own energy and educating them about the plenitude of solar energy uses.

7. Solar energy is one of the most reliable forms of energy.

8. This energy coming from the sun is essential for plants that, via the photosynthesis process, convert the solar energy into chemical energy.

9. Glass Houses which grow certain special varieties of crops and plants year-round utilize the solar energy from the sun to create an artificial greenhouse effect.

10. In our daily routine, we require heating water for several purposes. Solar systems tapping solar energy can heat water up to 60 degrees Celsius.

11. On a larger scale, solar-thermal plants utilize various methodologies to concentrate the sun's energy as a source of heat. This heat is then utilized to boil water to drive a steam turbine that generates electricity.

12. There exists a plenitude of solar energy benefits. Even the salt that we utilize daily for cooking purposes has a major contribution of solar energy in its derivation process from sea water.

13. One of the simple solar energy uses is to dry clothes after washing.

14. Solar cookers aid and assist in making basic food like rice, pulses, etc. This is probably one of the best way to save LPG and make it last longer.

15. The usage of solar energy in any form doesn't build up any pollution and is safe for the environment. In fact, the use of solar energy aids and assists in combating the greenhouse effect that is causing the earth's average temperature to rise.

16. One of the most widely utilized renewable sources of energy is solar energy. Nowadays, you can see solar panels around you in your daily routine.

17. The ISS (International Space Station) utilize the radiant energy coming from the sun for various purposes.

18. Mojave Desert in California hosts the largest solar power plant. It stretches across an area of 1000 acres.

19. A basic solar energy use is to power calculators.

20. Solar panels are installed at three primary scales: residential, commercial, and utility. You can go for residential-scale solar systems on the rooftop of your property to meet your energy needs.

21. Are you paying a hefty electricity bill? You could save considerable bucks on your electricity bill if you switch to solar panels. Moreover, if you happen to produce surplus, you can sell the extra power as well. You can even utilize a battery backup and meet your energy needs via solar energy even on a cloudy or a rainy day.

22. Utility-scale solar systems are large installations that generate solar energy for a large number of utility customers.

23. If you are unable to install solar energy systems on your property, you can go for community solar that will directly connect you with the utility-scale solar energy projects.

24. Solar energy systems on buildings have minimal to no effects on the environment.

25. Noise pollution is one of the biggest threats in the modern world. Speaking about solar energy, tapping the same does not create any kind of noise. You need not require any other fuel other than sunlight to utilize solar energy.

26. Solar power is effective even in running air conditioners and other heavy electrical utilities.

27. In situations, when there is a need of power on a temporary basis, solar energy is one of the most preferable modes.

28. In the event of a natural disaster services like electricity are disrupted. In such cases, solar is the fastest energy source that authorities can build, repair, or deploy.

29. If anybody asks as to which is the most abundant energy source on earth, solar power is the one and only answer. Entire humanity's power needs can be met by solar energy alone.

30. With the gradual shift towards solar energy, chances are that pollution on earth will decrease by considerable levels in the time to come.