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Imagination Sparks Growth In Solar Power Uses
By George Sykes

People are rapidly learning that they can use the power of the sun for more than just getting a good tan. Converting the power of solar energy into electricity has enabled many to discover many solar power uses, to help save renewable resources while saving money at the same time. There are two basic types of solar energy: thermal and photovoltaic; and both offer different uses.

The earliest solar power uses captured the natural heat from the sun, storing it for use when the sun went down. If you have ever touched a brick wall, which was in the direct sunlight, you could feel it had been warmed by the sun. After the sun went down and you touched that same wall, it was still warm due to the brick's capability of holding onto the heat from the thermal energy from the sun.

One of the solar power uses of collecting heat energy from the sun is used to heat water for swimming pools as well as for gathering the thermal energy and use it for heating small interior spaces when the sun is not shining. To heat pool water, the water from the pool is passed through pipes or a rubber bladder that is exposed to direct sunlight. As the water is heated, it is returned to the pool, helping warm the remaining water in the pool.

Finding Ways To Have Sun Work For You

Photovoltaic solar power uses involve converting the heat from the sun into electricity through the use of solar cells. The cells convert the sun's energy into usable electricity, but typically not enough to be beneficial. By using the cells to produce electricity to charge batteries and using devices to operate from the batteries, many efficient solar power uses have been found.

The size of the batteries used and the size of the solar panel array will determine how much electricity is available. Stored electricity provides solar power uses even when the sun goes down at night or is hidden by heavy clouds. The batteries hold direct current and in order to use most home appliances, a converter is used to convert the electric to alternating current.

Additional solar power uses are being discovered every day and researchers are still working on developing a solar powered vehicle that is dependent on sunshine alone. Providing electricity in undeveloped areas as well as in storm-ravaged areas are just a few of the solar power uses in practice today.

Author Details:
George Sykes writes for various web sites writing articles about environmental issues and green energy such as solar power.

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