What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source. It refers to the thermal radiant energy of the sun (see Three Ways of Thermal Energy Propagation: Radiation), and the main manifestation is often called solar rays. In modern times, it is generally used to generate electricity or provide energy for water heaters.

Solar energy is generated by the fusion of hydrogen and helium in the hydrogen atoms of the sun.

According to records, humans have used solar energy for more than 3,000 years. Utilizing solar energy as an energy source and power source has only a history of more than 300 years. The true use of solar energy as "recently needed supplementary energy in the near future" and "foundation of the future energy structure" is a matter of recent years. Since the 1970s, solar energy technology has been advancing by leaps and bounds, and solar energy utilization is changing with each passing day. The history of modern solar energy utilization can be counted from the invention of the first solar-powered engine in the world by French engineer Solomon de Cox in 1615. The invention is a device that uses solar energy to heat air to expand it

The use of solar energy is not very popular at present.

The direct use of solar energy by humans is still in its infancy, mainly including solar heat collection,

With the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference, environmental issues are bound to become a hot topic. One of the key topics discussed at the conference was alternative energy. Rena Lasso, a solar expert, has created a think tank about solar energy on Twitter, and also set up a "Women for Solar" organization to help people install solar panels they buy. ^[10]

Lasso said she grew up in Israel and was taught to be environmentally friendly and save energy since she was a child. That's why she is so passionate about solar energy.

Rumor 1: Extreme weather is the natural enemy of solar panels ^[10]

Truth: They look delicate and fragile, but they are actually very resilient. Speaking of it, you may not believe it ... but sometimes the hurricane overturned part of the roof, but the solar panels were not damaged.

Acrylic-coated solar panels can withstand simulated hail at a speed of 80 miles per hour and a diameter of 5 inches (thinking it hurts). Arizona State University conducted this simulation, and they have one of the largest solar panel test facilities in the world.

"To be honest, solar panels can actually protect the roof of your home in the event of storms, hurricanes and the like." Russo said ^[10] .

Rumor 2: Solar panels do not generate much energy at all ^[10]

Truth: Solar energy was not an efficient energy source before, but times are changing, and technology is advancing rapidly. Lasso said that in a sunny place like Hawaii, solar energy is much more efficient than fossil fuels.

According to the solar company "Sun City", a standard solar panel can generate approximately 200 watts of energy. Of course, this also depends on the quality of the battery board; the size of the battery board; the amount of sunlight directly shining on the battery board ^[10] .

Rumor 3: Solar is expensive ^[10]

The truth: As solar technology continues to improve, its costs will naturally decrease. In Hawaii in 2012, a standard solar installation paid for itself in just four years and created a profit that was four times the cost over its lifetime.

Lasso said that in fact solar energy can save hundreds of dollars a month for a family. Many companies even install solar panels for households for free to harvest energy and resell it to local power plants. Profits are shared by households and companies. In this way, the residents saved electricity bills, the company made money, and a win-win situation.

Sunrun in the United States and Isis in the UK (Isis is the ancient Egyptian goddess of sun) both offer such deals. In addition, an Israeli company intends to expand the market in the United States ^[10] .

Rumor 4: Solar panels are difficult to maintain ^[10]

Truth: Lasso says that solar energy is basically maintenance-free.

"There are no moving parts at all."

However, it is necessary to clean up the dust and debris several times a year. But basically you can solve it with a rubber hose in the yard: flush it with water in the morning or at night (preferably when they are not hot to prevent the battery panel from breaking). Automatic sprinklers are also available.

Rumor 5: Solar is just a spare tire option ^[10]

The truth: In some people's imagination, solar energy is stored in a certain generator, and it is used only in emergency situations. However, in reality, solar energy is associated with the transmission grid. Solar users can use electricity from both panels and the grid. Excess solar energy is transmitted to the grid, and often it can make money for users ^[10] .