Solar energy is one of the major sources of renewable energy. It involves using the power of Sun to generate energy. Solar energy is an ideal replacement for perishable energy resources like coal and petroleum that are being used for decades. The need for replacing the traditional energy resources arises because of the dwindling stocks of such energy and their harmful impact on earth’s eco-system. Major part of solar energy is absorbed by the water bodies like oceans and rivers and other processes like photosynthesis on the earth. Solar energy is utilized to produce water cycles, food and life sustaining atmosphere that is essential to support life on earth. Solar energy is now being utilized on daily basis to produce different forms of energy. Solar panels are used to convert the power from sun into electrical energy, which is then used to run different electrical appliances in the homes and the workplaces throughout the world. Solar panels are also used to convert the solar power into heat energy, which is then utilized to heat the water in the water heating systems like boilers and geysers. Solar cookers are used to convert the solar power into heat energy, which is then used for cooking and heating foods. Solar cookers are also utilized for heating and boiling water, pasteurization of milk and drying food items. The temperature generated by these cookers can range anywhere between 90 to 150 degrees celsius.
Wind energy is another clean and renewable source of energy that involves harnessing the power of wind. Large numbers of wind turbines are built throughout the world in order to capture the kinetic energy of wind, which is then converted to electrical energy to power industrial units and large residential areas. The latest technology called vertical axis wind turbines that just require to be pointed towards the wind’s direction in order to generate electricity for homes is gaining in popularity across the world. Home based wind energy system includes a wind turbine and generator that are mounted on top of the tower and the associated controls and equipments that are located in separate cabin. There are three wind energy systems that can be used for generating electricity for home. First is Off-Grid or Stand Alone system. This system is installed when your home is not connected to the grid. You will only use the electricity generated by the Off-Grid system. Second is Grid-Tied or On Grid system that comes with battery back up. With this system, you can use the power supplied by grid as well as electricity generated through the wind energy system. With battery back up you can store the energy and use it in case of a power outage. Third is Grid-Tied or On Grid system without battery back up. This works the same way as the second system except you can’t use it during the power outage as there is no back up system installed.
Solar energy and wind energy are the two clean and renewable sources of green energy that is essential for green living.
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