WHY SOLAR ENERGY ?

ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY

• Sun is a constant and consistent power source that you can rely on always
• Solar energy is clean, renewable and abundant
• The alternative source, oil is not renewable and will become rare in time
• Solar cells produce no noise or any other disturbance when working
• The extraction or use of solar energy does not cause pollution
• Very little maintenance is needed, except cleaning once in a year
• The panels and other equipment are very easy to install
• Though comparatively more expensive initially, these equipment return the investment very fast
• The technology and the equipment are improving quickly and consistently

APPLICATIONS OF SOLAR ENERGY

The passive applications of solar energy are techniques like designing spaces that naturally allow light and air to circulate through them, erecting structures in such a way as to take advantage of sunlight and selecting materials that have favourable thermal properties.

• Solar architecture uses solar orientation, compact proportion, selective shading and thermal mass for well-lit spaces of comfortable temperature range.
• Using white paint and planting trees can reduce temperature up to 3degrees.
• In agriculture and horticulture, greenhouses are the most common use of solar energy. Ancient Rome used them for producing cucumber throughout the year.
• Solar energy is also harnessed for agriculture through techniques like timed planting cycles, planned orientation of rows, staggered heights between rows and mixing plant varieties.
• Solar water-heaters have been in use in almost all countries all over the world.

The active applications of solar energy are panels, fans and pumps that convert sunlight into useful outputs. Active use of solar energy in agriculture are the uses for pumping water, drying crops, drying chicken manure, brooding chicks, etc. Using roof-top panels for producing electricity for all the uses in a home is gradually becoming popular all over the world. The technology of combining low-voltage lighting systems using LEDs and solar panels is becoming popular even in developing nations.