Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FCT, ABUJA
ASSIGNMENT ON
SUBJECT: PHYSICS
QUESTION:
Solar Energy
Sources of Solar Energy
Importance of Solar Energy
Advantages of Solar Energy
SUBMITTED BY
AMANDA UKECHUKWU
CLASS: SS 1A
JULY, 2017
SOLAR ENERGY
Solar Energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range
of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal
energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.
1. Passive Solar
This involves using the sun for light and heat, including warming rooms in
winter, drying clothes and sun-drying foods, such as prunes, apples, apricots
and sultanas.
Many houses and other buildings are designed to make the best use of
passive solar energy by including features such as eaves to keep summer sun
out and winter sun in, north-facing windows to maximise solar gain in
winter, and insulation to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
2. Thermal Solar
Thermal solar technology involves collecting heat from the sun and storing it
for later use. Solar water heating is a good example of thermal solar energy.
3. Photovoltaic Solar (PV)
Photovoltaic cells (solar cells) are used regularly on rooftops of homes and
other buildings to supply them with electricity.
Then there are reasons why solar energy is important to homeowners as well.
Some of these reasons are...
Having a positive impact on our environment
Solar energy saves homeowners money now and in the future
Allows homeowners to have energy independence
During modern times, we've become reliant on fossil fuels. This has allowed us to
develop our cultures and economies tremendously, but has come at a steep price.
Due to the side-effects of using fossil fuels, the use of solar energy has become
important to mankind once again. Some of the reasons solar energy is important
are...
There are many advantages that solar energy has to offer over traditional sources
of energy like coal and oil. Not only it is completely renewable but is also protects
the environment. Here are some of the advantages of solar energy.
1. Its a renewable resource
Although solar energy cannot be produced during night and cloudy days but it can
be used again and again during day time. Solar energy from sun is consistent and
constant power source and can be used to harness power even in remote locations.
2. Its eco-friendly
If you are scavenging the internet in search of ways to minimize your carbon
footprints, solar energy is the surefire answer. Solar energy will not only help you
dial back on your carbon footprint, but also oversize your systems to ensure you
live in a carbon-free house. Some states in the U.S. even allow individuals to invest
in other peoples roofs to create a lot more solar energy.
One of the most interesting things about solar energy is that it can help you
minimize your annoying utility bills. You can accomplish this by installing solar
panels in your home. Solar energy takes up energy consuming activities like
heating water and heating homes. Solar energy has the potential to save you up to
20% of your energy costs, even after financing costs are factored in. And with the
ever rocketing of electricity costs, you could save up to $60,000 in the next 30
years.
If you are looking to sell your home in the future, suffice to know that installation
of solar technologies can significantly increase its value. This especially manifests
in areas where buyers are more likely to buy a home installed with solar panels like
high populated cities where environmental degradation is taken seriously by the
authorities. According to research findings, solar panels can add up to $20,000 to
the value of a house. This figure represents the amount required to install a solar
panel, which means you will be able to recoup your money when you sell the
property. That represents a bright investment in your property.
The cost of installing a solar panel can be high. But once its up and running, you
will enjoy the benefits for many years, while injecting just a small amount for its
maintenance. If your energy needs change and you desire to add more panels, it
would be a lot easier. Initial cost that is incurred once can be recovered in the long
run that range from 10 years 15 years. Apart from this, solar panels does not
create any noise or release any toxic substances.
6. Easy Installation
Solar panels are easy to install and does not require any wires, cords or power
sources. Unlike wind and geothermal power stations which require them to be tied
with drilling machines, solar panels does not require them and can be installed on
the rooftops which means no new space is needed and each home or business user
can generate their own electricity. Moreover, they can be installed in distributed
fashion which means no large scale installations are needed.
REFERENCES
"2014 Key World Energy Statistics" (PDF). iea.org. IEA. 2014. pp. 6, 24, 28.
Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 May 2015.