June 3, 2011. Paul Hixon
The advantages of solar energy have given way to other technologies using the sun’s infinite energy. Your solar power house is a model of independence from utility company produced electricity and environmental advocacy.
Solar power has truly proven its worth not only in land but also in space and in water. It is used in space explorations and desalination of seawater. With the depleting fossil fuels, solar power is also developed for heating purposes which is a considerable need especially in cold places and industrial purposes.
For solar water heaters or solar hot water systems, the sun’s heat is harnessed by solar thermal collectors and a special storage tank to produce hot water and heat for domestic and even commercial use. Solar water heaters can be an active system which pumps and circulates heated water, passive system which circulates heated water naturally, and batch system which uses heated water from a tank directly exposed to the sun.
For solar cooking, the sun’s heat is collected by a solar cooker which has an insulated box and is commonly used in fruit canning and pasteurization process.
For solar thermal electric power plants, the sun’s energy is trapped to heat up heat exchangers to produce electricity for industrial usage.
Solar heating systems are truly the best replacements for gas heating systems because it is healthier for the environment and even for us because it’s absolutely natural. Also, heating your home or establishment can really be a pain because the bill is always on the rise. A lot of savings can be expected with the use of solar heating systems.
Many are still quite reluctant to use this technology because they do not know anything about it yet. They feel very concerned whether they are making the right move or not. Well, if you already own a solar power for your home, it’s like adding another solar panel for heating. All I can say is that solar heating system is another way to save money and the environment.
Updated June 3, 2011. Published April 4, 2011. Paul Hixon
