SOLAR ENERGY
It can be said that all of our energy is solar energy, even non-renewable fossil fuel. This is true with the exception of nuclear, geothermal and tidal energy. (By geothermal we mean deep source geothermal, like hot springs, not ground source heat pump systems, which are actually ground based solar collectors.) In this section, and generally throughout the industry, when we say 'solar energy' will will be talking about real-time solar energy. Energy we get from the sun everyday.
Passive solar energy systems take advantage of daily energy from the sun without the use of mechanical or electrical means.
- This website allows you to take an interesting and in depth journey of passive solar energy and through a wide range of other energy subjects.
Active solar energy refers to systems which move the daily energy from the sun in the form of heat or electricity from where it is collected to where we want to use it. Generally it is moved by pumping a medium of air or liquid. Active solar is divided in to thermal and electrical systems. Sometimes the two are combined.
- Thermal solar energy is most commonly used to heat domestic hot water and homes. It is one of the most effective ways for homeowners to use renewable energy to cut down on their energy bill.
- Electric systems or photovoltaic (PV) systems use a characteristic of silicon crystals to convert the sunshine directly into electricity. The energy efficiency of PV systems is not as high as in other solar technology, but the 'available anywhere' characteristic and the convenience of PV systems offer hundreds of applications such as remote power for lights, signs, computers, and communications systems. Some jurisdictions, like the province of Ontario, offer a feed-in tariff incentive with a price that will make photovoltaic energy practical. They are doing this to encourage the development of the technology in their locale and, of course, to generate green power for their customers.
- Combined thermal electric systems collect heat energy and then convert it to electrical energy. This is often done by concentrating the sun's energy with lenses or reflectors onto a point where the heat is used to heat a liquid or a gas in a turbine or steam engine. Another method is to use the chimney effect of heated air to force air through a turbine. There are plans in Australia to build one which is proposed to include the tallest tower in the world.
