Solar Power, a renewable source of energy

Solar power is a renewable source of energy, which is one of the most available sources on Earth. However, being an unsustainable source of energy, it should be enhanced by storage or another energy source. Even though nowadays solar energy systems still have lower average efficiencies, due to modern technology, and research has been being put into developing high-efficient and low-cost systems daily. Using solar energy is beneficial because it allows a greener or a more environmentally friendly way of living. It is also a resource which is freely available and one of its many advantages is once it is installed and it does not cost more than the cost of establishing and routine maintenance.

Concentrating Solar Energy Systems such as "Stirling Disks" are large solar energy plants which use modern technologies to convert light energy into useful electric energy. A direct technology of using solar energy involves the usage of Photovoltaics, which is a system is directed for small appliances and homes.

So how efficient is solar power actually? Research indicates that the current photovoltaic conversion efficiency is about 15% and improving day by day! Moreover, some experimental models are producing over 40% efficiencies! This tells us that solar energy has become more superior than what is was about twenty years ago. Solar panel efficiencies are averaged at 20%. However, do not be discouraged. The most advanced solar energy systems are estimated to have an average of 40% efficiencies. But, when translating the resulting electricity (from solar energy) into light, the efficiency does is reduced 15%.

Therefore, solar panels do have a reduced efficiency when it comes to lighting up our homes. Nevertheless, the most proficient way of making most of solar energy is to utilize as much direct sunlight through day light and passive solar heating technologies and also use the highest efficiency solar panels for the rest of our energy requirements. High efficiency solar cells are a type of solar cell that averages the highest efficiencies in comparison to standard solar cells. Even though solar power systems generally still have low average efficiencies, a lot of research is being put into developing high-efficient and low-cost systems daily.