Alternative Energy Facts:

There are all types of alternative energy sources.  To create solar electricity you need a solar panel consisting of one or more solar cells.  Each cell absorbs some of the light particles (photons) from sunlight. An electron in the material of each solar cell is released by the power in the light particle as it is absorbed. Both sides of the cell are connected with electric wire, which enables flow of current as the photon is absorbed. The result is electricity which can be used immediately for lighting or appliances.

If you’re thinking of using alternative home energy solutions, you may be interested in knowing exactly how the process works. The light particles in sunlight bombard the upper surface of each solar cell in a solar panel. The power from these light particles is then carried through the solar cell. In the reduce your carbon footprint layer of the solar cell, electrons receive the energy transferred by the light particles. The electrons, using this power, then jump across into the upper layer and finally, into the circuit. The flowing of the electrons around the circuit results in the energy to run our appliances.

Photovoltaic cells are only one way of creating solar power. Instead of turning sunlight into electricity, solar-thermal panels use the sun’s heat to generate hot water. with solar-thermal panels there’s no electricity involved. Photovoltaic panels and solar-thermal panels may look similar, but solar-thermal panels absorb the sun’s heat through a large sheet of black glass, whereas solar panels absorb light through solar cells. Water is warmed as it trickles through the heated panels, before being channeled into the home water system and out through the faucets.

Just one hour of sunshine on the earth’s surface contains more than a year’s worth of power for the entire planet. Using passive solar power means designing (or redesigning) a building so that it makes the most light and heat from the sun. This can be achieved by adding extra insulation to your roof, or installing an extra south-facing window. “Passive” solar adjustments like these may be installed during the initial building of the house or when there is major refurbishment.

There are of course many other types of alternative energy sources to consider.