Solar Energy

Introduction

I have chosen to do my project on solar energy. I believe that solar energy is the best non-conventional resource for the prevision of power in the future of South Africa. The sun is a more reliable source of energy than wind due to the amount of solar rays received opposed to wind.

Brief history of the development of Solar Energy

The first recorded use of utilising the suns power was in the 7th century BC, when magnifying glasses or crystals were used to light fires.

The first person to observe the Photovoltaic Effect was French physicist Edmond Becquerei in 1839.

Though John Ericssobn invented the parabolic though in the 1870’s the first traceable use of them was 1912, when Frank Schyuman set up farms for a small community

Solar thermal collectors, such as solar hot water panels, are commonly used to generate solar hot water for domestic and light industrial applications.

Description of the importance of the energy source

Solar energy is an important part of almost every life process, if not, all life processes. Plants and animals, alike, use solar energy to produce important nutrients in their cells.

Since solar energy is completely natural, it is considered a clean energy source. It does not disrupt the environment or create a threat to Eco-systems the way oil and some other energy sources might.

Solar energy cells can be used to produce the power for a calculator or a watch. They can also be used to produce enough power to run an entire city.

But at an individual level, everyone is motivated by different things. Some people are interested in solar energy for the environmental benefits, others see solar energy as a way to reduce their electricity costs, and yet others are looking to solar energy as a way to leave a positive legacy for their

The rest of the sunlight that strikes the panel is wasted as heat. More efficient photovoltaic cells have been discovered which use 43% of the solar cells. Installing solar panels on a house is expensive and requires experienced people.

Maintenance costs a lot and time. Maintenance will cost a lot which means people will have to pay taxes towards fixing these problems, especially if big solar farms are put into place.

Solar energy can also be a problem if the solar panels don’t receive enough sunlight. Although energy is stored and saved, solar panels only take 43% of the sunlight’s solar cells.

Conclusion

After doing research on solar energy, it is definitely the best possible way to generate electricity for South Africa in the future. Although solar energy is very expensive, South Africa should consider putting up solar panel farms and solar panels for people’s houses. Coal is running out very quick, and solar energy is the way to go. Solar energy won’t only be free and renewable once put up, but it will also be safe and clean for the environment. Solar energy has many applications which we could