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Solar energy is a renewable energy source that is produced by the sun’s rays. This energy can be tapped indirectly as wind, biomass, hydroelectric power and directly as solar energy (thermal and photovoltaic). In this article, we’ll shine a light on solar power and how it can be used in your home or business. The greatest benefit of sun power is that it’s pollution-free. Today’s world economy is reliant on fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. However, they are nonrenewable resources and create pollution when burned. Renewable energy cannot be used up and it does not generate pollution. Sustainability means that we make sure we meet our energy needs and ensure the health of the planet for future generations. Eventually, we will run out of nonrenewable energy supplies and the pollution caused by using these energy sources is already becoming a serious problem. The sooner we switch to using renewable energy, the cleaner the air we breathe and water we drink will be. Solar power is more common than you may think. Drying your clothes outside uses solar energy. Calculators powered by cells instead of batteries are using solar power. The technology used to transfer sunlight into usable energy isn’t cheap, but the value of a clean planet makes it worthwhile. Soon, everyone will use renewable energy sources to power their homes and businesses. Soon, reportedly by the year 2030, most people will be using alternative energy sources to supply the power they need to heat their houses, drive their car or just watch television. There are more solar household products available than most consumers realize. Solar cookers use sunshine as a source of heat for cooking, drying and pasteurization. Solar chemical processes convert solar energy into chemical energy. These processes use both light (photochemical) and heat (endothermic) to drive chemical, thermochemical or thermoelectric reactions. Solar chemical reactions can be used to store solar energy or replace energy that would otherwise be required from an alternate source. The solar powered car has been an engineering goal for 20 years and is expected to soon become a reality. There are great benefits to utilizing solar power. Solar heating alone would reduce the need for nonrenewable energy, create jobs and stimulate economic growth. This developing technology will only be beneficial to our planet if people take advantage. Cost is a deterrent for most people, but there are also savings to be had. After the initial investment of installing solar panels, a family can save a great deal of money on heating costs. To save our environment - that’s money well spent. | ||||
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