Solar energy is the technology used to harness the sun’s energy and make it useable. Over time, solar power energy adoption in Kenya has grown tremendously. This is due to a number of factors including the reduction in solar equipment costs, better solar batteries for energy storage as well as government initiatives towards adoption of green energy.
Many are familiar with so-called photovoltaic cells, or solar panels, found on things like spacecraft, rooftops, and handheld calculators. The cells are made of semiconductor materials like those found in computer chips. When sunlight hits the cells, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms. As the electrons flow through the cell, they generate electricity.
On a much larger scale, solar-thermal power plants employ various techniques to concentrate the sun’s energy as a heat source. The heat is then used to boil water to drive a steam turbine that generates electricity in much the same fashion as coal and nuclear power plants, supplying electricity for thousands of people.
Solar energy is the reason we are all alive today; it is the main source of energy for all life form
HOW TO HARNESS SOLAR POWER
In one technique, long troughs of U-shaped mirrors focus sunlight on a pipe of oil that runs through the middle. The hot oil then boils water for electricity generation. Another technique uses moveable mirrors to focus the sun’s rays on a collector tower, where a receiver sits. Molten salt flowing through the receiver is heated to run a generator.
Other solar technologies are passive. For example, big windows placed on the sunny side of a building allow sunlight to heat-absorbent materials on the floor and walls. These surfaces then release the heat at night to keep the building warm. Similarly, absorbent plates on a roof can heat liquid in tubes that supply a house with hot water.
Solar energy has been used for over 2700 years; in 700 BC, glass lenses were used to make fire by magnifying the sun’s rays.
Solar energy is lauded as an inexhaustible fuel source that is pollution- and often noise-free. The technology is also versatile. For example, solar cells generate energy for far-out places like satellites in Earth orbit and cabins deep in the remote areas as easily as they can power downtown buildings and futuristic cars.
PITFALLS
Solar energy doesn’t work at night without a storage device such as a battery, and cloudy weather can make the technology unreliable during the day. Solar technologies are also very expensive during initial setup and require a lot of land area to collect the sun’s energy at rates useful to lots of people.
Despite the drawbacks, solar energy use has surged at about 20 percent a year over the past 5 years, thanks to rapidly falling prices and gains in efficiency. With tax incentives, and efficient coordination with energy companies, solar electricity can often pay for itself in five to ten years.
Solar power is one of very few sources of energy that are completely free.
Why Solar for Your Home?
When compared with the rest of the renewable energy resources, solar energy is the most viable and scalable option as you would only need roof space to install this resource where you can power sustainability for your home and your community.
By signing up for Jesaton Solar For Home, you can save up to 90% of your monthly energy bill and enjoy 5 years of inclusive maintenance as we ensure you are getting the most out of your investment. If you are interested in learning more about home solar panels system & cost, contact us at hello@jesaton.co.ke Call: 0715 020605
