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Solar systems
Solar systems
| Solar Systems |
- What types of solar energy systems are available ?
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- Electricity generation
- Hot water generation
Solar electric generators, or Photovoltaic generators, collect sun-emitted light and convert it into electricity (Photovoltaic principal). Electricity can then be used throughout the house.
Solar hot water generation is achieved by collecting heat energy from sunrays and using it to heat water. Hot water can then be used throughout the house or even in a pool.
- Why do we say that the Sun has energy ?
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The sunrays that reach the surface of the earth are full of energy. This energy is, for instance, used on earth by plants to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen (a process called photosynthesis). This energy is shown in many different ways:
Heat: Earth is heated during the day, and cools off at night. This powerful mechanism is responsible for the winds on earth!
Light: Sunlight lights up our days and activates colors.
Ultra Violet (UV) rays: We all know the importance of protecting ourselves from burning UV rays. These are also carried in the sunrays, and are full of energy.
The above energy forms can also be used to cover our ever increasing needs for heat and electricity.
- What is a solar energy system?
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A solar energy system is a device capable of harvesting the sun’s energy. Of course, harvesting does not mean that you need to cruise close to this giant! Sunrays are carrying the sun’s energy right to our doors. Its energy hits the earth everywhere we need it.
Although not all of us get the same share of this shining gold, it has been proven that all locations in the US, from Florida to the Pacific Northwest and from New-England to Southern California, receive enough solar energy to power solar energy systems.
There are several types of solar energy systems. We will cover here, the ones capable of generating electricity, and hot water. As these two types tend to be completely different from the other, we have kept them separated in our explanations.