Solar Energy

Solar Energy

The use of Solar Energy by Maltese Households
By Dimitar Dimitrov

About Solar Energy

Solar energy is the collection of light from the sun (by the use of solar panels) which is turned into energy.
Solar panels consist of many small solar cells each of which convert attracted light rays into electricity.
The solar panels themselves are made out of silicon and have a matt black colouring which makes the attraction of light rays much easier.


One benefit it has over fossil fuels is that it produces a lot less, if not no, pollution than the use of fossil fuels which are very pollutant.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Advantages:
Solar Energy does not cause pollution
Solar Energy is free
Solar Energy is infinite

Disadvantages:
Solar Energy can only be collected at daytime and when it is sunny
Solar Energy is not as effective as fossil fuels.
Equipment used to acquire Solar Energy is very expensive

Main uses of solar energy
Solar energy has many various uses which include:
* Solar cooking
Solar cooking uses the sun as the source of energy instead of standard cooking fuels such as charcoal, coal or gas. Solar cookers are cheaper to use and more environmentally helping than traditional ovens. They are becoming widely used in areas of the world where deforestation is an issue, financial resources to purchase fuel are limited, and where open flames create a serious risk to people and the environment.

* Solar heating
The sun may be used to heat up surfaces instead of electricity or gas. Solar heating systems are mainly used to heat up a liquid (like water heaters) and to heat up air (like solar powered ACs).

* Solar cells
Solar cells are a device that converts light energy into electrical energy. They can be used to generate electricity from sunlight. They are also used in situations where electrical power is unavailable, such as in remote area power...

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