How Does Solar Energy Work: The Process

Solar energy has been used for centuries. Concave mirrors were used hundreds of years ago to heat water. Some myths describe large mirrors were also used to start fires on enemy ships by focusing and concentrating the sun’s rays. The space program in the 1950′s had used solar energy to power electrical components in their space satellites. Today solar energy is getting more popular as a renewable energy source. The biggest hurdle right now is not the abundance of solar rays but with the material needed to convert it to energy.

The most basic form of solar energy is direct. Individuals can set a glass full of cold water in direct sunlight, and the rays will warm the water. Glass will intensify the sun’s rays accelerating the heating process. Homes can have their water heated by direct sunlight. Panels maximized to absorb the sun’s heat can be installed. The hot water plumbing system is routed under the heat panels to absorb the heat.

Another method to harness the sun’s energy is using photovoltaic cells or light electricity cells. This method is very common, and it is used, for example, in solar powered calculators or solar panels for outdoor landscaping lights. Solar cells are made of silicon that absorbs the sunlight but not the heat. Pure silicone is a poor conductor of electricity, so the silicone is mixed with phosphorous to make it a better conductor. Silicone is used despite its poor conductivity because of its ability to absorb light energy and not heat. The absorption of energy is what forces the molecular structure to transfer electrical current. It is not enough to be able to absorb energy it must be able to transfer it for use.

Solar energy is direct current or DC, which is not used in homes. The DC must be converted to alternating current or AC for household use. The conversion process causes some electricity to drain off. Most homes using solar energy are also connected to a power grid. Solar energy can be stored using batteries to provide energy at night. Homeowners that produce an over abundance of electricity can sell it back to the grid. Sunlight is converted into electricity immediately.

Another way to produce electricity using solar power is through steam. With special mirrors, the sun’s rays can be used to heat water to produce steam. Steam can then be used to power turbines to generate electricity. This method is not practical for home energy use, but large facilities can utilize this form of solar energy.