A Pollution Free Source of Energy: The Sun

With issues such as global warming, depletion of ozone layer and increase in the content of carbon prominent in today's scenario, our major concern is reducing the level of pollution in the atmosphere. Thus various steps are being taken in order to replace the old methods of generating electricity which causes pollution with alternatives which causes less pollution. In previous times the sun's energy was only used for biological processes. All existence on the earth depends on solar energy. Green plants make food by means of photosynthesis. Light is essential from in this process to take place.

This radiance usually comes from sun. Animal get their food from plants or by eating other animals that feed on plants. Plants and animals also need some heat to stay alive. Thus sun's application area was limited to a small range of biological purposes and domestic application such as drying clothes etc. Now the use of solar energy has spread to a wider range, the major application area is generation of electricity.

The sun is a large sphere of very hot gases, the heat being generated by various kinds of fusion reactions. The heat from the sun is harnessed by the solar power system, which converts it into electricity and supplies it for use. Solar power system comprise of huge panel of solar cell also known as photovoltaic (PV) cell. These photovoltaic cells are made up of semiconductor material such as silicon. The PV cell panel is fitted at the roof tops of the building at certain angles and facing south. Also there are tracking mounts that tract the location of the sun and adjust to it accordingly. This technology is majorly used in elaborate solar system.

The sunlight falling on the panel causes the electrons in the semiconductor material to loosen from the atom a. These electrons then flow into the external circuit and form the electric current. The solar power generated is directly proportional to the number of solar panels installed i.e. more solar panel would generate more electricity.

Solar energy provides economical and practical solution to the environment related problem. PV cells helps to generate power that causes less or no pollution by reducing the emission of the harmful gasses such as carbon dioxide (CO2) that were evident in the traditional methods. Since sun is free and available most days, this method is cost efficient too as it includes just the installation cost and very low maintenance. A bright and a sunny day would always produce more electricity however electricity would also be generated on a cloudy day but the amount produced will be comparatively low.

Jon Harwokey is a part time author who is very interested in doing his part to help the environment. When researching solar panels, he went to Clean Energy Quotes for all his answers. They can help you with information on solar power systems as well as finding a professional solar panel installation company.