Solar Energy is the smartest energy choice under the sun
Solar energy is a renewable free source of energy that is sustainable and totally endless, unlike fossil fuels that are determinate. It is non-polluting source of energy and it does not emit any greenhouse gases while producing electricity. The sun is probably the most key source of renewable energy available today. We all know that the fortunes of nations depend on the energy sources they use to fuel their economic life. For example, coal power was instrumental to the rise of the British Empire, which reached its peak in the 19th century. But the 20th century belonged to the United States because it was quicker to adopt petroleum, which proved to be a more efficient form of energy. Likewise, economic supremacy in the 20th century is largely determined by which country manages to harness the cleanest, most cost-effective, and planet-friendly fuels of tomorrow. For sure countries which will use solar energy will progress.
Solar power is reliable energy. The rising and setting of the sun is most consistent. We know all across the world, when the sun rises and sets. We do also have fairly good seasonal and daily projections for the amount of sunlight that will be received in different locations, this makes solar power an extremely reliable source of energy. Two main types of solar energy systems are in use today: photovoltaics, and thermal systems.
Sun shines for each creature. Nobody can claim monopoly over the sun or no one can buy out sun. Combined with the simplicity of solar panels, this also provides the notable solar power advantage of energy security, something the US military has pointed out for years, and a major reason why it is also putting a lot of its money into the development and installation of solar power systems.
Solar power users enjoy energy independence as the “fuel” for solar panels cannot be bought or monopolized; it is free for all. Once you have solar panels on your roof, you have independent source of electricity that is all yours. This is important for individuals, but also for cities, counties, states, countries, and even companies.
Solar power industry has made incredible advancements which surely is helping to save the planet. If you don’t want to undertake the expense and hassle of installing a full solar power system to provide electricity for your entire house, you can use solar power flexibly at your home for indoor light. These indoor lights capture light energy during the day and store it in small batteries which light the bulbs. You can use them for outdoor lights as well, your cell phone, laptop, MP3 players and many other electronic gadgets can be charged with solar power. There are several solar-powered chargers in the market that either charge internal batteries, like in cell phones or charge C, D, AA, and AAA batteries for use in other electronic devices. These rechargers come with different size cords to be used with different items. Using solar power to charge the electronic items which you use each day will reduce your electric bill each month.
For a small price, you can install a solar-powered water heater system to produce hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate. These systems include storage tanks and solar collectors also. Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank with an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater heats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.
Solar energy was first used for cooking in a specially-designed oven that captured the sun’s rays to heat food. These small ovens were originally built for camping, but they work great for outdoor summer cooking as well. Rather than mess with charcoal or propane tanks, solar ovens are inexpensive and easy to use without all the waste of conventional cooking techniques. These small ovens can cook food at a temperature of up to about 350 degrees and are fully solar-powered. Your oven can be used on electricity energy as well. A unique system of glass and reflective material absorbs the sun’s heat like a solar cell and then magnifies it so that it is hot enough to cook.
The Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan Trust in Maharashtra which used to use 500 metric tons of LPG earlier for cooking food for the pilgrims, took a decision to install solar cooking project worth Rs.1.33 crores. The benefit has been felt immediately. Today, the Sansthan claims that it has reduced the use of LPG by 74 metric tons and saving over Rs . 29 lakhs annually. In addition it is receiving carbon credits from an international organization! The Sansthan’s Prasadalaya(cooking and serving hall) is said to be Asia’s biggest prasadalayas.
Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) in Andhra Pradesh is one of the most popular pilgrimage places in India. Devotees pour in from all over the world; the temple authorities provide food for huge number of devotees’ every day at the temple. The temple kitchen uses a huge solar steam cooking system in the temple premises. The solar steam cooking system installed by the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) at Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh has the ability to prepare food for 15,000 people a day. This inventive system uses automatic tracking solar dish concentrators that convert water into high-pressure steam. The steam thus generated is utilized for cooking at TTD. The authorities have linked the system with the existing diesel boiler to ensure that the system’s usability and reliability remains intact under all climatic conditions.
The hospitality and healthcare segment is slowly opting for solar energy. Adapting to renewable sources of energy is one of the most beneficial and sensible long-term decisions that any company can take. A large portion of the energy is required in hotels and hospitals. ITC, Maurya has set an example by pioneering the successful use of solar technology for satisfying its thermal energy needs in laundry, cooking, bathing and other applications. ITC Limited is credited with being a pioneer in initiating a number of environment friendly changes. It is one of the few carbon positive companies in India.
Solar panels are getting cheaper therefore, they are being bought from houses, schools and hospitals. People are becoming aware about solar energy which is certainly a good sign. Free power from solar panels offset the high rate of electricity for commercial use, and businesses are also able to claim accelerated depreciation (a method to increase deductions) on the equipment to lower their taxable income.
Friends, climate change is a real threat to the future of human life and all other life on Earth. We needs to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ~80% by 2050. Since ~60% of global emissions stem from energy use, we need to deploy low-carbon energy technologies at massive scale. Solar is by far the largest energy resource available renewables on Earth. This technology is now poised to play a larger role in the future. More and more architects are recognizing the value of active and passive solar and learning how to effectively integrate it into building designs. Shell Global has predicted that 50% of the world’s energy will come from renewable sources by 2040. Solar Energy is indeed the smartest energy choice under the sun.
