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The Sun can be thought of as a giant nuclear furnace stationed in the sky. It is a tremendous source of solar energy, cranking out massive amounts of radiation each and every day.
Electromagnetic radiation is the technical term for solar energy. This radiation is emitted by the sun and is absorbed into Earths biosphere in many ways. Because of its widespread importance to the biosphere, solar energy plays a crucial role to our existence.
Electromagnetic radiation is composed of tiny invisible energy waves, all traveling at the speed of light (3x108 meters per second). Forms of electromagnetic radiation include X-rays, gamma waves, radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, ultra-violet waves, and the visible light spectrum. The only difference between the waves is their frequency of resonance, and they are characterized based on this.
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 Solar energy is the primary element for Photosynthesis, the method by which plants make energy for growth. Plants in term provide us with food, wood, medicines, and more.
Solar energy is also the primary element that forms weather patterns. The Sun warms the surface of the earth, whereby wind patterns develop. Solar energy is absorbed in the oceans, and this helps form the currents. Evaporation caused by solar energy is what fundamentally leads to clouds and thunderstorms.
Solar energy is the catalyst for almost everything that occurs on Earth. It is as though the Earth has its own power plant, a giant Nuclear Fusion Reactor in outer space. It is a good thing too, because without it we would all be screwed.
Imagine if the Sun suddenly burned out, which scientists predict will happen someday. It is a reminder of the delicate balance to our existence, that Mother Nature will always hold the trump card to human prosperity. We should offer thanks for each and every day that we are blessed with the Sun.
So if theres one thing for sure, as long as solar energy is here humans will be here. Solar energy is responsible for almost everything that surrounds us, in every form.
The modern age has brought us some new tools and technologies when dealing with solar energy. Now we can make electricity directly to power our homes. We can concentrate the solar energy and store it in thermal beds, or make hot water and steam.
The time has come now to discuss solar energy in different terms. Mankind has become clever these past few generations, and developed new methods to harness this energy. We now have ways to convert solar energy directly into electricity. And weve developed several new inventions for absorbing solar energy and making high temperature heat.
How practical is current technology for providing power to our homes? How much money will it cost, and how much will we save in the long run? What kind of new solar energy technologies are in development? We started out asking these same questions ourselves, and we are here as professionals from the Energy industry to present a few honest answers straight from the energy specialists.
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