How the Sun's Rays Can Be Used to Generate Green Energy

One potential source of green energy is solar power. Solar power is a green energy source because it is renewable and does not cause harm to the environment. Solar power is renewable because it utilizes the sun's rays. Since the sun's rays are readily available, solar power can also be quite affordable. Solar power is already being utilized and researched in three major ways.

Solar power can be utilized passively. Solar power can be used passively in buildings design. Buildings and/or homes can be designed to reflect the sun's rays. Reflecting the sun's rays helps to steady the building and/or home's interior temperature. This reduces the need to run the air conditioner and/or heater as often. Studies have shown that this technique may reduce a building or home's energy consumption by up to 80%. Reducing the building or home's need for non-renewable energy.

Solar energy can be utilized actively, by converting the sun's rays into heat or energy. Heat from solar power can be used to heat the water for sinks or showers. Heat, from solar energy, could also be used in water based heating systems. Photoelectric cells (more commonly called solar panels) collect the sun's rays and convert them into electricity. Solar power has already been utilized in many ways. For years, college students have competed in a race that uses solar powered cars. Engineering students create solar powered cars and then race them. NASA has created satellites that are solar powered. Solar power can even be used to generate enough electricity to power an airport.

Solar power does have its drawbacks. Solar power requires the sun's rays. On sunny days, the sun's rays are very abundant. However, on cloudy days there are fewer sun's rays. Much like satellite TV, rain storms, thunderstorms, or overcast days can reduce the amount of energy produced. Scientists are working on counteracting this by developing better batteries. Better battery technology will allow the storage of larger amounts of solar power. Once developed, these batteries could allow a home to store solar power during the sunny summer months and utilizes this solar power during the winter months.

Solar power is just one source of green energy being developed. Scientists and researchers are also working to increase the use of wind power, geothermal energy, hydroelectricity, and bio fuels. Solar power can be used to produce heat, electricity, and even reduce how much we run our air conditioners and home heaters. These traits make solar power a viable green energy source.