Solar Thermal Energy Simplfied

Solar thermal energy, in simple terms means the heat energy that is produced by the Sun. Many times, it happens that we are looking for a simple explanation about things, but we come across definitions that are structured in a complicated manner. Thus, instead of getting a clarification, we seem to be even more confused than what we were when it all started.

Therefore, to simplify the complete process of understanding, we are going to discuss the concept of solar thermal energy and solar light energy in a nonscientific manner. It is easy actually. When we see the Sun, we know that it has a lot of heat and light. The energy produced by the sunlight is used to supply power for running appliances in our homes and at work. This is the concept behind solar thermal energy generation.

In our solar system, Sun is the source of energy for all of us. The Sun produces so much energy in one single day, that it can supply abundant power to the complete United States for one complete year! The solar thermal energy is extremely powerful in its effectiveness.

Now, we cannot use the solar thermal energy in its raw form. Therefore, to utilize this energy, we have to convert it in either of the two forms. The first way is to convert the solar thermal energy into electricity and the second option is to convert it into heat energy. Both these purposes have uses in domestic as well as industrial arenas.

When solar energy is used in the domestic front, it can help in heating up of water for using in the kitchen and other household purposes. You can even heat your swimming pool using solar thermal energy. You can either position your windows in a manner to gather the maximum amount of heat, or use solar panels that will capture and transfer the heat.

These solar panels can be put up in groups and use a motor to provide solar thermal energy for generation of electricity. The panels can be made at home in case you want to save money. Otherwise, if there is a dearth of time, completely assembled solar energy kits are available off the shelf. These can be used effectively to power homes and offices.

Using this form of energy is extremely beneficial for the environment, as it does not have any harmful side effects. Another assurance that is accompanied with the solar energy is the longevity. This form of alternate renewable energy is here to stay!

Have You Ever Wondered About The History Of Solar Thermal Energy?

Solar thermal energy has become one of the most talked about topics all around the globe. So, did human kind really take these many years to recognize the potential of solar thermal energy? Did we start looking for alternative renewable sources of energy when the depleting sources of conventional energy, left us no choice?

No, that is not the case. You will be surprised to know that it was as early as the 1800s when people started being aware about the gradual death of non-renewable sources of energy. However, the crisis that we face today was a distant possibility back then. This was the very reason why urgent efforts were not made to save the situation.

In the later years of 1830s, Edmund Becquerel had written his findings on the possibility of turning light into energy and had published these. However, the findings were never paid heed nor applied in any form during those times. Therefore, in many records you will be able to find the origin of solar thermal energy applications dated to the experiments conducted by Augusted Mouchout, who was an instructor of mathematics at the Lyce de tours.

Mouchout, in 1860s, had received funding from the then French monarch, so that he could work on a new resource of energy. Using this, he had created a few appliances that used solar thermal energy to run. That included a steam engine, which used solar thermal energy to run itself, and a motor running on solar thermal energy. He even had the sense of humor to create ice by using the energy from the Sun! Mouchout had achieved this by connecting a refrigerating device with the solar powered steam engine.

There was no looking back after these inventions. Slowly but steadily inventions and discoveries related to solar thermal energy started growing. Some of the well known inventions are as follows:

• In 1870s, a deputy registrar by the name of William Adams founded the ‘Power Tower Concept’ that used the solar energy and mirrors to run a steam engine. This concept is still being applied in the modern world.
• In the year 1883, Charles Fritz discovered how to generate electricity by using sun rays.
• In the later part of 1880s, Charles Tellier installed an appliance to heat water for his domestic purposes, by using the solar thermal energy.
• In 1950s the Bell Laboratories team of Calvin Fuller, Daryl Chaplin and Gerald Pearson, discovered the semi-conductor properties of silicon, which is being used in the solar cells till this day.

Hence, it is just a misconception that the energy crisis of the 1970s, had led to the discoveries and inventions related to solar and other alternative renewable sources of energy.

7 Interesting Facts About Solar Thermal Energy

Whenever you hear about solar thermal energy, you generally associate it with mundane data available over the internet on solar panels, solar kits, guides, components, etc. It might have also happened that you had to submit a science project on solar power during your school times and you have that memory refreshed every time you come across anything related to solar thermal energy. Therefore, you will attach certain seriousness to solar thermal energy as if it is all about scientific work.

As mentioned earlier, this is simply because you are unaware of the fun and interesting facts about this clean renewable source of energy. Getting light and heat energy from the sun and converting it into different other forms of energy for our daily use, is an exciting prospect. If you understand it well, you will be keen on trying out new and innovative gadgets that are solar powered.

When I came to know about these seven fun and interesting facts about solar thermal energy, I was amazed, so will you be. Thus, read the facts and enjoy!

1)      The amount of sunlight that hits the earth surface over a period of an hour is enough to fulfill the entire world’s demand for energy over one whole year! Therefore, if we can utilize the solar thermal energy properly we will have abundant energy in one day to survive for 24 years!

2)      Sir Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in the year 1921 for his revolutionary work on the solar photovoltaic cells and the solar thermal energy.

3)      Many European farmers used to utilize solar thermal energy in their fields to solar power them. This is not a recent innovation. It used to happen as early as the middle ages. Yes, even then, people knew how to use the immense power provided by the Sun.

4)      The total power of the solar radiations gets reduced by at least 23-25% by the time it reaches us. Once the sunrays hit the earth surface, they are reflected and absorbed. After this phenomenon, the light and heat of the solar radiations is further diminished by the pollution, dust and clouds that are prevalent in the air. Therefore, finally what reaches us is 3/4^th of the actual solar energy potential.

5)      The solar panels that are installed everywhere, on an average, converts a minimal of 15% of the sunlight to electricity. The balance is wasted.

6)      Architects are taught how to use the solar thermal energy to the optimum level while planning a building. They can design the structure and make the windows in such a manner that sunlight can be a major source of heat and light for the building!

7)      Plants use the solar power to make food for their survival through a process called photosynthesis.

Surely, after reading this you do not find solar energy mundane anymore!