subject: Solar Power Systems: A Great Alternative for Generating Green Energy [print this page] Solar Power Systems: A Great Alternative for Generating Green Energy
In view of the fast depleting conventional energy sources, the time has come to look for some other alternatives of energy sources that can ensure a sustainable growth for a long term. The global warming is another issue that has woken up entire world. So it is natural to seek such alternatives that can help us in reducing the dependency on fossil fuel. In this regard, the sun has given an unlimited source of energy that can be utilized to fulfill human needs by applying advanced technology. However, the solar power systems are still underutilized as their contribution remains below one percent of the global energy needs.
Solar energy is an inexhaustible resource available free for all, yet harnessing this source is a relatively new idea. Photovoltaic power remained a matter of curiosity for many years. Then, the great scientist Albert Einstein proposed an explanation for the "photoelectric effect" in the early 1900s, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize. Now, solar system has acquired an important place and people looking for renewable energy sources find it very effective to cater their energy needs.
The solar system applies photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC energy), which further can be converted into alternating current (AC) to power some small home electric appliances including bulb, water heater, solar oven, solar cooker, television, etc. In the metropolitan areas of America, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems consume 30% of total energy supply in commercial buildings, whereas residential building consumes around 50% for a same purpose. So the solar heating can be used adequately to fulfill such demands.
In the agriculture and horticulture, solar energy proves to be very crucial in order to optimize the productivity of crops. In ancient time, French and English formers used to employ fruit walls to expose plant to the sun for collecting maximum solar energy. These walls worked to accelerate food production by keeping plants warm. Nowadays, the solar panels are effectively playing that role along with pumping water, drying crops, brooding chicks and drying chicken manure. Greenhouses are largely dependent on sunlight to generate required heat for the growth of plants. In horticulture, some plants are unable to cope with the local climate; they can be grown in the greenhouses.
There are many solar panel suppliers available in the market. You can also take the help of online suppliers, who not only supply solar panels of various sizes but also offer solar energy information whenever you require. Their professionals can help you in setting up the solar systems to generate energy for residential as well as business purposes.