The sun offers the most abundant, reliable and pollution-free power in the world. However, problems with solar energy, namely the expensive cost and inconsistent availability, have prevented it from becoming a more utilized energy source.
Solar power makes up a tiny fraction of all power produced in North America, even though there are vast regions of the continent where there is an abundance of sunshine. To harvest more of this free energy, we need to discover new materials, develop new production techniques and solve the problem of storing energy when the sun isn't shining.
What is hampering solar power has everything to do with cost. It is five to eleven times more expensive to produce electricity from the sun than it is from coal, hydro or nuclear sources. The first problem is with the cost of the technology:
Not using enough solar panels or total output to match the needs for what you would be using it for. Small solar panels (35-100 watt) are great just to keep 1-4 batteries charged when not in use but if you plan to be running an inverter and powering appliances, living quarters in an RV or larger scale living, that if when you would need A LOT of solar panel and a basement full of batteries to use at all times. A lot of money would be spent on the panels and batteries but if you do not have the right equipment to control the electricity and monitor everything, you may be better if donating the money to a good charity where it will be much more useful and greatly appreciated
SOURCE: What's an example of a passive form of solar energy?
Passive solar energy can be used to keep buildings warm. Some buildings have large windows on the side of the building the sun hits. The sun's ray go through the windows and penetrate the heat-absorbent floors and walls. At night, this heat is released into the building.
SOURCE: Does the space industry use solar energy?
The space industry was one of the first industries to adopt the use of solar energy. It started using solar technology on spacecraft in the 1960's.
1,058 views
Usually answered in minutes!
The sun offers the most abundant, reliable and pollution-free power in the world. However, problems with solar energy, namely the expensive cost and inconsistent availability, have prevented it from becoming a more utilized energy source.
×