10 Facts About Solar Power

Our modern society is increasingly consuming oil, gas, and coal at an alarming rate, which is harming the environment. Renewable sources of energy like solar power are becoming alternatives to get our energy needs met. Solar power, which refers to energy that comes from the sun, is an energy source that is made naturally on a daily basis. The sun has been producing energy for billions of years. It is the building block of sustaining life on Earth. It is renewable, unlike fossil fuels, and is much better for the environment. New developments in technology have focused on harnessing the sun’s energy for use in the home since it doesn’t produce any pollutants.

There are limitations, however, since sunlight received by Earth is dependent on several factors. It can depend on the location, as well the time of day, the time of year, and, of course, the weather. Here are some more interesting facts about solar power.

1.) Energy from the sun is free and everywhere! Even though the sun is millions of miles from Earth, light travels from the Sun to Earth in about 10 minutes. Compare that to the time it takes to drill for and distribute oil!

2.) The Earth gets about 1,366 watts of direct solar radiation per square meter. Optimizing the process of collecting this radiation means converting the sun's rays to power.

3.) You can cook, dry, or pasteurize food with solar energy. Third-world countries with hunger problems can utilize free and available energy.

4.) The modern world is so dependent on non-renewable fossil fuels for energy that shortages or rising prices can be catastrophic. Renewable forms of energy reduce the likelihood of these occurrences.

5.) Solar power is a clean and sustainable way to cut down on harmful emissions that have contributed to climate change.

6.) Domestically, ways of capturing solar energy are usually solar panels. These absorb solar rays and convert them into usable energy.

7.) There is no pollution from solar power. There are no adverse environmental effects from solar power at all, making it an excellent alternative to the use of fossil fuels.

8.) Renewable energy is a hot topic for research in the scientific community. From wind turbines in Africa to solar power in Tucson, there are alternative energy sources being studied every day.

9.) Space ships used in space missions by various countries use solar power.

10.) Solar power is an excellent temporary power source and is used in places from local fairs to mining sites, and even the Olympics. Each year the sun beams to Earth enough energy to sustain the global needs of its inhabitants. Right now only one tenth of energy needs are met by solar power, but we have the power to overcome our need for fossil fuels. On a personal level, you may want to consider getting solar panels to do your part to live a greener, more efficient lifestyle by using solar power. There are savings involved as well, making it a win for you and a win for the planet.