The light that comes from the sun is also called solar renewable energy. Since time immemorial, man has harnessed it in the ways he knew how. Recognizing that it is inexpensive, virtually an infinite source of energy, its use causes no pollution and can save fossil fuels; in fact, harnessing it through modern technology becomes a necessity. The power of the energy from the sun is amazing as it drives the other secondary powered alternative forms of energy such as the wind, wave, hydroelectricity and biomass.

If there is one important technological breakthrough in relation solar energy, it is its conversion into electricity. This is  either done by use of photovoltaic cell (PV) or by concentrated solar power (CSP). Using the photoelectric effect, a simply solar cell  or photovoltaic cell  converts sunlight directly with the use of active solar techniques into electric current. Concentrated solar power indirectly uses passive solar techniques. It uses glasses  to focus a wide beam of sunlight into a concentrated beam. The concentrated heat or beam  is the heat used ain conventional power plants. For this purpose one of the most advanced technology that can be utilized to concentrate light into beam is the parabolic trough.

Solar panels are used to harvest solar energy. It is critical to enhance the current technologies because of the felt need to harness solar renewable energy. The development of solar architecture and planning was stimulated by the domestic needs. From  domestic and uncomplicated uses like day lighting, potable water distillation and disinfection and solar cooking, it has grown into solar cars, solar batteries, solar updraft power houses, solar satellite systems, and solar lighting systems. The use in large scale industries and agriculture is made possible with the use of huge solar power stations. The world’s largest photovoltaic plant with about 97 MW is found in Samia, Ontario, Canada. The largest CSP with 354 MW is found in the Mojave Desert in California.

The solar renewable energy is a very promising source of energy. If there is one adversity that need to be surmounted, it is the fact daylight time is short. A satellite is important to warrant a power storage for 24 hours which will make the process expensive. This is one area where technology can act to reduce cost and improve accessibility.

Related articles

• Six Golfing Swing Tips (fryingpansports.com)