Solar Power

People can harness solar energy by installing solar panels on their roofs or in open spaces where they can capture sunlight. These panels contain photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. The electricity generated can be used to power homes, businesses, and other facilities.

Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, so they are not able to produce electricity at night. However, some systems incorporate energy storage solutions such as batteries to store excess energy generated during the day for use at night.

When water is warmed by the sun, the water molecules absorb the sun's energy and gain kinetic energy, causing the water temperature to increase. This process does not produce anything new, it simply increases the thermal energy of the water.

Reflectors in solar power systems are used to redirect and concentrate sunlight onto solar panels or receivers, increasing the amount of energy captured. By focusing sunlight onto a smaller area, reflectors can boost the efficiency and output of a solar power system, especially in locations with low sunlight intensity.

China is the largest producer of solar energy in the world, with a significant amount of solar capacity installed across the country. The government has made significant investments in solar energy infrastructure to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat pollution.

A typical 500 MW solar power plant requires around 2,000-2,500 acres of land, depending on the efficiency of the solar panels and other site-specific factors. The land needed could vary based on factors such as panel technology, tilt angle, and solar resource availability.

Yes, the presence of clouds can affect the amount of solar energy intercepted by Earth. Clouds can reflect, absorb, and scatter solar radiation, reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface. This can impact the overall energy balance of the Earth's climate system.

Solar panel is a group of solar cells connected together. A solar cell is a device that is able to convert energy contained in light into electrical energy through photovoltaic process. For data on the invention of solar panel, see:

http://www.blurtit.com/q364209.html

To make your own solar panels for about $100 each, see:

http://www.elatebiz.com/pages/solor.html

The best place to put a solar panel is on a roof that receives direct sunlight for most of the day without obstruction. South-facing roofs typically get the most sunlight in the northern hemisphere, while north-facing roofs are ideal in the southern hemisphere. It's important to consider shading from trees or nearby buildings to maximize the panel's efficiency.

Solar energy was not invented; it is a renewable energy source that has been harnessed for centuries. It is used as an alternative to fossil fuels for its environmental benefits and sustainability. Its popularity has increased due to advancements in technology and the need to reduce carbon emissions.

"Light is coming" is the translation of "lux venit" in Latin.

Solar energy is invisible to the naked eye because it is a form of electromagnetic radiation. However, we can harness solar energy using solar panels, which appear as large flat panels usually mounted on rooftops or in open fields to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.

Solar collectors are components of a solar thermal system that absorb sunlight to generate heat. They are typically used to heat water or air for various applications such as space heating, water heating, or electricity generation through concentrated solar power systems.

Horace de Saussure invented a solar oven in 1767, which collected the heat of the sun and used it to cook food.

There are several problems with solar energy. Most of these problems though are being solved. Solar energy has come a long way in just the last few years.

1. Cost - the single largest hurdle solar energy faces is that competing energy sources have always been cheaper in terms of dollars per kilowatt-hour (a standard measure). Compared to electricity from coal-fired power plants, solar is more expensive - if you don't consider the environmental costs (which typically are hard to asses a dollar amount to).

But in recent years solar power is becoming closer and closer to grid-parity on price especially with the introduction of new types of solar panel chemistry like Cadmium telluride.

2. Site suitablity - many sites don't receive enough solar energy to make solar energy cost effective. Cloudy areas with frequent rain are often not as well suited for solar panels because typically solar panels need direct sun to produce the most power. That's changing though, new panels can now use diffuse light on cloudy days to still produce power. With prices going down steadily, more sites would be feasible that once were not.

3. Embodied energy - It takes a tremendous amount of energy to produce a solar panel. Because of this - depending on the type of panel and the way it was made - the panel itself may have required 11 years worth of its energy production just to make it. So if that's the case, the panel won't begin making 'new' energy until it has been operating for 11 years. It takes energy to make them, and you can think of this like taking out an 'energy loan' and so the loan must be paid back before an 'energy profit' can be made. Again, this is changing, new panels are made more efficiently, and require less material than older technologies so the 11 years is highly dependent on the type of panel and the manufacturing process.

4. Production and Demand - Typically solar panels produce the most energy during the middle of the day and somewhat less before and after than. Also, solar panels produce the most power during the summer. To the extent that demand for power does not coincide with this production curve, other sources of energy must be used to fill in, or some sort of storage (like batteries) is needed.

5. Materials - The material used to make solar panels is in short supply or the supply has fluctuated. This, again, depends on the type of panel, some panels don't have this problem. Shortages in materials mean it can be hard for producers to meet demand - thus pushing up the cost - which is the main stumbling block for the adoption of solar energy.

Solar collectors should ideally be black in color to maximize energy absorption. Black surfaces absorb more sunlight and convert it into heat energy, which can then be utilized for various applications such as generating electricity or heating water. Lighter colored surfaces reflect more sunlight, resulting in lower absorption of energy.

Another name for the solar plexus is the celiac plexus or coeliac plexus.

Solar energy that reaches the Earth is either absorbed by the atmosphere, clouds, or surface of the Earth, leading to heating. Some solar energy is reflected back into space by clouds, the atmosphere, and the Earth's surface. This energy drives various processes on Earth, including weather patterns, photosynthesis in plants, and the water cycle.

There is definitely some power loss during transmission from satellites to Earth. The exact amount isn't really known since such a system doesn't exist currently. However, I would actually expect it to be somewhat low due to the direct nature of the signal. I would imagine more loss occurs during conversion into microwaves and back into electricity before and after transmission. To learn more about how solar power satellites work visit the related link.

The concept of orbiting solar power plants involves placing large solar panels in space to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. This energy can then be beamed back to Earth using microwaves or lasers. While still in early stages of development, this technology has the potential to provide consistent, clean energy without the limitations of weather or location. However, challenges such as high costs, deployment and maintenance in space, and regulatory issues need to be overcome before it can become a viable option.

Solar panels have become cheaper due to advancements in technology, increased manufacturing efficiency, economies of scale, and government incentives. These factors have led to lower production costs and increased competition in the market, driving down prices for consumers.

Solar energy can be collected using solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells. These panels are typically installed on roofs or in open spaces where they can capture the most sunlight. The energy collected can then be stored in batteries or used immediately to power homes, businesses, or devices.

Space satellites rely on solar energy for power. Solar panels on the satellite convert sunlight into electricity to power the various systems onboard. The use of solar energy allows satellites to operate efficiently in space where other energy sources may not be available.

China produces the most solar energy in the world. It has the largest installed capacity of solar energy and is also the largest producer of solar panels globally.

Commercial concentrated solar power plants were first developed in the 1980s

In the 1950's the Bell corporation was the first to develop the solar cell

a Swiss scientist named Horace de Saussure began studying the potential of solar energy. In 1767, he was recognized for developing a solar energy collector

Around 1904, American Henry Willsie was recognized as the first person to store energy generated during the day so that it could be used at night