As a race we have become dependent on the natural resources available to us. This is especially true for all the energy sources nature has given us and which we have been using more and more each year. This ravaging of the natural reserves has been primarily due to a massive increase in the demand for energy around the globe. This demand is a direct result of increased energy consumption due to easier access to gadgets and various equipments along with a desire to be comfortable all through the year.
However despite the fact that our reserves of non-renewable energy sources are depleting rapidly we do need to continue generating enough energy to meet the planet’s demands. This we can do with a renewable source of energy found in nature like tidal energy, wind energy, biomass, solar energy etc.
Of all the renewable sources of energy in nature, solar energy has the maximum potential for meeting all our energy needs. In fact in a single minute we receive solar energy enough to meet the energy needs for an entire year and when this solar energy is converted to solar power, the capabilities are endless.
When solar energy is converted into electricity using photovoltaic cells it is known as solar power. Photovoltaic cells can be used in any number depending on how much energy you want to generate. A simple gadget is a solar calculator which may have a single photovoltaic cell. When a large amount of electricity has to be produced, for example in a home solar power system, photovoltaic cells are used along with solar panels, batteries, inverters etc. The solar panels absorb the sunlight and the photovoltaic cells convert the solar energy into electricity. In sunny weathers, even one square metre of solar cells can generate enough power to light a 100W light bulb.
Solar power capabilities increase when it can be stored for a later time. Solar power capabilities include more than lighting a single bulb. If enough energy is generated, solar power is capable of providing light to your entire house, and if you have a big enough solar power system, you may even be able to run your laptop off the energy produced.
Solar power is also capable of providing enough energy for outdoor lighting in gardens as well as for street lamps etc. In fact several countries have adopted solar power generated street lights which work during the night and get charged with solar energy during the day.
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