What is Solar Energy?
What is Solar Energy?
The sun’s radiation which we refer to as solar energy (a.k.a. solar power), is the most abundant energy source in our solar system and is the largest source of energy source here on Earth. According to energy.gov, 173,000 terawatts of solar energy strikes the Earth continuously. That’s more than 10,000 times the world’s total energy use today. Another form of solar energy is called solar thermal energy. Solar thermal systems can be used to harness the power of solar energy by creating thermal mass and producing heat for your water heating system in your home or business. If designed and installed properly, your utility bills would be reduced as a result of this. As a renewable resource, solar power is an important, essential and integral part of our clean energy future. The future of clean energy depends on solar projects like ours and people like you. We assist by providing you simple turnkey solution to your home or business needs.
The sun is more than just a provider of light during the daytime. Each photon of sunlight that reaches Earth contains energy which gives rise to life and fuels the planet with warmth. The most important and primary source of all heat at the surface level of Earth.
Where does all this energy originate from? Our sun, just like any star in other solar system is a gigantic nuclear reactor. Massive amounts of energy are produced by nuclear fusion. Within the core of the sun, its effects can be felt millions of miles away by which nuclear fusion reactions are occurring. The energy is released and radiates to us here on Earth. The energy emitted far into space in the form of light and heat has no boundaries. When it travels millions of miles and hits any surface out in space, it provides warmth and solar energy.
Photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal mass collectors can be used to be able to harness the power of sunlight. We then can make use of the power of sunlight by harnessing the power of sunshine to convert or transform the solar energy into usable energy. Even though existing solar systems account for only a small percentage of global energy consumption, the rising cost and economies of scale however means more people will and can benefit from using the technology. Solar systems are considered a renewable source. Solar energy is a sustainable and clean resource that is expected to play an important role in the future development of clean global energy.
solar energy VS Solar Thermal
The sun’s energy can be harnessed in several different ways. The two most common ways are Photovoltaics (PV or Solar Panels) and Solar Thermal (Thermal Heaters). PV are the most popular since we use electrical energy for almost all of our needs and are increasingly becoming more in demand. The scale of the solar project depends on the system design and the budget available which tends to vary on a case by case basis for both residential and commercial. There are some large scale projects that use mirrors to concentrate solar thermal energy into one point for heating liquid at boiling point to then turn a generator with air pressure.
Photovoltaic cells are only becoming more affordable as time goes by and efficiency ratings are increasing year over year. If the trend continues, solar energy production will continue to play an important role in reducing utility costs throughout the world. The financial benefits of solar panels are increasing every year. Going solar will add to the environmental benefits of using a renewable energy source.
solar energy VS Solar Thermal
The sun’s energy can be harnessed in several different ways. The two most common ways are Photovoltaics (PV or Solar Panels) and Solar Thermal (Thermal Heaters). PV are the most popular since we use electrical energy for almost all of our needs and are increasingly becoming more in demand. The scale of the solar project depends on the system design and the budget available which tends to vary on a case by case basis for both residential and commercial. There are some large scale projects that use mirrors to concentrate solar thermal energy into one point for heating liquid at boiling point to then turn a generator with air pressure.
Photovoltaic cells are only becoming more affordable as time goes by and efficiency ratings are increasing year over year. If the trend continues, solar energy production will continue to play an important role in reducing utility costs throughout the world. The financial benefits of solar panels are increasing every year. Going solar will add to the environmental benefits of using a renewable energy source.
Photovoltaic solar energy
Photovoltaic (PV) also known as solar photovoltaic is a common way property owners can take advantage of the sun’s energy. A solar PV system converts sunlight into electricity. The solar panels can then be stored in a battery or sent to the grid to receive credit on your electric bill. Photovoltaic effect is a method by which solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. The photovoltaic effect is when sunlight strikes a semiconductor material, such as silicon. This sets electrons free and generates an electric current that can then be captured using wiring. This current is called direct current (DC), and it must be converted into alternating current (AC), electricity by the use of a solar converter. This is required because most household appliances use AC in the 21st century. Lastly, the electric grid uses AC electricity.
Photovoltaics can capture solar energy at many scales. Installing solar panels is an efficient way to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and|of fossil fuels, and also save money on your electricity bill. Photovoltaic solar energy generation can also be beneficial for large companies and electric utilities. Large solar arrays can generate power to the electrical grid.
Solar thermal
Another way to make use of solar energy is to directly capture the sun’s heat and then use it in many different ways. Although solar thermal energy is more versatile than photovoltaic, it’s not as practical to use on a small scale for electricity generation as photovoltaics.
There are three types of solar thermal energy that can be used: low-temperature is used to heat and cool; mid-temperature is used to heat water; high temperature is used for electricity generation.
Low-temperature solar thermal systems use heating and cooling to regulate the climate. Passive solar building design is an example of this type. Passive solar energy is when the sun’s rays are allowed to enter a living space in order to heat it. They are then blocked to cool it.
Solar hot water heating systems are a mid-temperature option for solar thermal energy systems. A solar hot water system captures heat from the sun using collectors mounted on your roof. The heat is transferred to your home’s water piping, so you don’t need to rely on traditional heating methods like oil- or gas-powered water heaters.
For generating larger amounts of electricity, high-temperature solar thermal energy systems are used. A solar thermal electricity plant uses mirrors to focus the sun’s rays onto tubes that contain a liquid that can retain heat energy well. The heated fluid can be used to heat water and steam, which can then turn a turbine|the turbine into electricity. This technology is sometimes referred to as concentrating solar power.
Solar thermal
Another way to make use of solar energy is to directly capture the sun’s heat and then use it in many different ways. Although solar thermal energy is more versatile than photovoltaic, it’s not as practical to use on a small scale for electricity generation as photovoltaics.
There are three types of solar thermal energy that can be used: low-temperature is used to heat and cool; mid-temperature is used to heat water; high temperature is used for electricity generation.
Low-temperature solar thermal systems use heating and cooling to regulate the climate. Passive solar building design is an example of this type. Passive solar energy is when the sun’s rays are allowed to enter a living space in order to heat it. They are then blocked to cool it.
Solar hot water heating systems are a mid-temperature option for solar thermal energy systems. A solar hot water system captures heat from the sun using collectors mounted on your roof. The heat is transferred to your home’s water piping, so you don’t need to rely on traditional heating methods like oil- or gas-powered water heaters.
For generating larger amounts of electricity, high-temperature solar thermal energy systems are used. A solar thermal electricity plant uses mirrors to focus the sun’s rays onto tubes that contain a liquid that can retain heat energy well. The heated fluid can be used to heat water and steam, which can then turn a turbine|the turbine into electricity. This technology is sometimes referred to as concentrating solar power.
Why is it good to use Solar Energy?
1. Solar Energy is Good for the {Environment|environment}
The sun {can be|is} {a great alternative energy source|an excellent alternative source of energy|an alternative energy source}. Solar energy {doesn’t produce|does not produce|doesn’t generate} carbon {emissions, unlike|dioxide, as opposed to|dioxide like} fossil fuels. {This makes solar energy far|This makes solar energy|Solar energy is} {more eco-friendly|greener|more sustainable} than other {sources of energy|energy sources}.
Our planet is {polluted by|polluted due to|contaminated by} fossil fuels{ like| such as|, such as} {oil, coal|coal, oil}{, and| and| as well as} natural gas. They release {large amounts|huge amounts|huge quantities} of greenhouse {gasses into our|gases into our|gases into the} {atmosphere when they are burned|atmosphere after they burn|air when they burn}. {These include|They include|This includes}:
- Carbon Dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous Oxide
{The greenhouse effect, which|Greenhouse effect that|This greenhouse effect which} {contributes|is a major contributor} to climate change{,|} {is caused by|can be attributed to|results from} greenhouse {gasses|gases}. They {pollute|affect} {the air we breathe|our air|breathing air}{ and cause| and contribute to|, and result in} the pollution of {the atmosphere|the air|our atmosphere}. {These gasses can be avoided|They can be sucked out|These gases can be eliminated} by {using the sun instead of|making use of the sun instead|using solar energy instead of} fossil fuels. {It is therefore|This is|It’s therefore} {better for the environment,|more sustainable for the environment|healthier for the environment} and {can reduce the impact|reduces the negative impact|could reduce the effects} {of climate change|of climate change}.
2. The Sun is {Renewable|renewable}
The sun will {continue to burn|continue to shine|burn for} {as long as there is|until there is|so long as there’s} enough earth {to support|to sustain|available to support} it. {It can therefore be considered|This makes it|Therefore, it can be considered} {a source of renewable energy|as a source of energy that is renewable|an energy source that can be used for renewable purposes}. It {will|is guaranteed to} never {run out, so|run out, which means|be depleted, and} {we can use it every|we can utilize it each|you can make use of it every} day.
{Solar, wind|Wind, solar}{, and geothermal energy| and geothermal energy| and geothermal power} are all {important|essential|vital} in {reducing our dependence on non-renewable|decreasing our dependence on non-renewable|decreasing our dependence on fossil fuel} resources. {We will eventually|The day will come when we|There will be a time when we will} {run out of oil,|be out of oil,|end up running out of oil} {coal, and gas|gas, and coal}. This is {a good thing|good} {because we can always rely|since we are able to always count|because we will always be able to rely} on solar {energy|power}.
3. Solar Power Can Increase Energy Security
{Energy security refers to a|Energy security is the|Security of energy refers to a} country’s {ability|capacity|capability} and {willingness|ability|capacity} {to manage its energy supply|to control its supply of energy|in managing its power supply}. {Most countries must|The majority of countries have to|A majority of countries need to} {purchase at least some|buy at least a portion|purchase at least a portion} of their energy {requirements|needs}. {Low energy security is|Insufficient energy security is|A lack of energy security can be} {a situation in which|an instance where|the situation where} {a country depends heavily|the country is heavily dependent|a country relies heavily} on {foreign energy sources|energy resources from abroad}.
{Because it is crucial|Since it is essential|Because it is vital} {to the country’s economy|for the economy of a country|to the nation’s economic growth}{, energy security is vital| Security in energy is crucial to the country’s economy| Energy security is essential}. A {country with good|country that has good|nation with a good level of} {energy security is less|secure energy is more|energies security will be less} {susceptible|vulnerable|prone} to external {factors that could|influences that can|forces that can} {increase the cost|raise the cost|cause a rise in the price} of {energy commodities|energy-related commodities|energy products}. {Conflict and war|War and conflict|Wars and conflicts} are {common|the most common|both common} {causes of rising energy costs|reasons for rising energy prices|factors that increase the cost of energy}{, which can cause| that can result in| and can lead to} {economic damage|economic harm|financial damage}.
A {country can increase|country can improve|nation can boost} {its energy security|the security of its energy|their energy independence} by {using|utilizing|making use of} {more solar energy|greater solar power|the power of solar}. {Large-scale solar cell deployment has|The deployment of large-scale solar cells has|Large-scale solar cell installations have} been {a success|successful|a huge success} in {countries like|nations like|countries such as} India {and|as well as|in addition to} China. {A large number of|Many|A majority of} European countries have {seen|witnessed|experienced} an {increase in solar power generation|rise in the production of solar energy}.
4. {The|Solar Industry creates jobs.|It is believed that the} Solar Industry creates jobs
Globally{, the solar photovoltaics sector| the solar photovoltaics industry| the solar photovoltaics market} {supported over|generated more than|created more than} 3.6 million {jobs in|job opportunities in|employment opportunities during} {2018|the year 2018}. {These data are taken|The data come|These figures are derived} from a {2019 report of|report for 2019 by|report from 2019 of} the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). {It focuses|It is focused|The report focuses} on {renewable energy jobs|jobs in renewable energy}.
China {accounts for around|is responsible for about|is the largest employer, accounting for} 31{%| percent} {of these jobs|in these positions|the jobs}. Japan {is next at|follows with|is next with} {7%|7percent|7.7%}, Germany at 5.5%{,|} {and|as well as|along with} {the|in the|that of the} United States at 4.4%. From {an economic perspective|a business perspective|a perspective of economics}{, it is important| it is crucial| it is vital} {that the solar industry|to note that solar power|for the industry of solar to} {supports|is able to support|contributes to} {such a large number of|the creation of a lot of|many} jobs {around the globe|across the globe|all over the world}.
5. There are many {uses for|applications for|ways to use} {solar energy|solar energy.}
{We have discussed|We’ve discussed|We’ve talked about} solar panels {for power generation|to generate power}. {However, solar energy can|But, solar energy can|However, solar energy could} {also be used for other|be utilized for different|also be used for different} {purposes|reasons other|uses other} {than electricity generation|in addition to electricity generation|that are not related to electricity generation}.
The sun’s {heat|energy|rays} can be {used to heat|utilized to heat|used to warm} water {using|by using|with} {solar thermal technology|the solar thermal technique|technologies like solar heating}. Solar energy {doesn’t have|doesn’t need|does not have} to be {used for generating|utilized for the purpose of generating|used to generate} electricity. Many homeowners have {installed|put in|set up} solar thermal collectors{ and solar panels| as well as solar panels|, solar panels and even solar collectors} {to increase|to boost|in order to maximize} the {solar energy benefits|benefits of solar energy}.
6. It {can reduce|could reduce|can help reduce} your energy {bills|costs.}
Solar energy {can reduce,|could reduce,|is a great way to reduce} or even {eliminate,|eliminate|completely eliminate,} your {energy bills|energy costs|monthly energy bills}. {Many homeowners choose|Many homeowners opt|A lot of homeowners decide} to install solar {energy|power} systems {because of|due to|to take advantage of} this. {It doesn’t matter if|It doesn’t matter whether|No matter if} you {use|utilize|make use of} the sun {to heat water|to heat your water|for heating water} or {power generation|generate power|to generate electricity}{, you can reduce| it can help you cut down on| and reduce} {your utility bills|the cost of your utilities|your energy bills}.
This is {one of|among} the {main|primary|major} {benefits of solar energy and|advantages of solar energy, and|benefits of solar energy that} has {transformed many lives around|changed the lives of many people around|transformed the lives of millions across} the {globe|world}.
7. Active Solar Technologies offer a return on investment
{The fact that solar|It is true that the solar|Solar} {energy|power} {can reduce your utility bills|can lower your energy bills|will lower your monthly utility bill} is {linked to|a result of|related to} {the fact that it|its ability to|being able to} {can|could|may} also {provide a return|yield a profit|generate a return} on investment. {If the initial cost of|When the cost at which you first invest in|In the event that the price you pay for the} {technology|solar technology|the technology} is {higher than what|greater than the amount|more than what} {you will pay over|you’ll pay in|you’ll be paying in} the {long-term|long run|long term}{, it’s not worth reducing| the savings won’t be worth it.| then it’s not worth the effort to reduce} {your utility bills|the cost of your utilities|your energy bills}.
{Both solar electricity and|Solar electricity as well as|Both solar power and} solar hot water {systems|system|heating systems}{ can| could|} {offer a return on your|provide a return on your|give you a return on} investment (ROI){, over| over| in} the {course|time|duration} {of their lives|all of the time|over the course of}. {While this requires careful research|Although this is a process that requires thorough research|This requires careful study} and a favorable {climate,|climate|environment,} ROI {can be achieved|is achievable|is possible} {in many places around|across|in a variety of locations around} the {globe|world}. Before {investing in such|you invest in these|you decide to invest in such} systems, {make sure to|be sure to|ensure that you} {consult|seek out|find} {a reliable|an experienced|an expert} installer.
8. There are {many other|other|many more} {natural benefits to the sun|advantages of sun's natural ingredients.|beneficial effects of the sun's natural sun}
The {natural benefits that|benefits of nature that|many benefits} the sun {provides|offers|brings} to our planet {are last|are the last|is last} on our {list|list of priorities}. This is {an important|a crucial|a vital} {aspect that we often forget|element that is often overlooked|aspect that is often forgotten}{, but| however| yet} {it is something we need|it’s something we have|it’s something that we ought} to {pay attention to|be aware of|keep in mind}.
{In many ways, the sun|The sun in many different ways|Many ways the sun} {supports|is a supporter of|helps} {life on|the life of|living things on} Earth. It is {essential|vital|crucial} {for the growth|to the growth|for the development} of crops{,|} {as well as supporting|and also for sustaining|and it also helps to support} the habitats and {needs of living creatures|the needs of living creatures|requirements of living creatures}.
Another term for Solar Energy is Renewable energy
Renewable energy is {frequently cited|often cited|often mentioned} as {a top|the best|a viable} {option for mitigating the worst|solution to mitigate the negative|alternative to reduce the most severe} {effects|impacts|consequences} of {rising|increasing|warming} temperatures. This is {because renewable sources|due to the fact that renewable sources|because renewable energy sources} {such as solar and wind|like wind and solar} {do not emit|don’t emit|don’t release} {carbon dioxide or|CO2 or any|carbon dioxide and} other {gas emissions that can|gases that could|gas emissions that} {cause global warming|contribute to global warming|create global warming}.
There are {many benefits to|numerous benefits of|many advantages to} {clean energy beyond|green energy that go beyond|clean energy , and it’s not just about} {being|the fact that it is|simply being} “green”. {This sector is growing|The sector is expanding|The industry is expanding} and {creating|is creating new} jobs. It also makes {electricity grids|the electricity grid} more {resilient and expands|robust and improves|durable and increases} {access to energy in|the availability of energy for|access to energy for those in} {developing countries|the developing world|emerging countries}. {And it helps lower|It also helps reduce|Additionally, it reduces} {energy costs|the cost of energy|energy prices}. {These factors have all|All of these factors have|All these factors have} {contributed to the recent revival|been a factor in the recent rise|played a role in the recent revival} of renewable energy{,| sources,} {with solar and wind setting|with wind and solar setting|which has seen wind and solar set} {new records in electricity generation|new records for electricity production|records for electricity generation}.
{Over the last|In the past|In the last} 150 years, {humankind|humanity|mankind} has {relied heavily upon|heavily relied on|relied heavily on} {oil, coal|coal, oil}{, and other| and various| and other} fossil fuels {for powering|to power} everything{,|} {from light bulbs to|including light bulb to|starting from lighting bulbs,} {cars|automobiles} and factories{ to|, from|, and from} {cars to vehicles|automobiles to cars|vehicles to automobiles}. The greenhouse {gasses|gases} {released by fossil fuels from|produced by fossil fuels|generated by fossil fuels} burning {them have reached historic|have hit record|them have reached record} {highs|levels|records}.
The {average temperature|temperature average} of the {surface is rising|earth’s surface is increasing|Earth’s surface is rising} {because greenhouse gases trap|due to greenhouse gases trapping} heat that {would otherwise escape|could otherwise escape|could otherwise go} {to|into|out into} space. Global warming is {one sign|a sign|one of the signs} {of climate change|that climate changes are taking place|to the onset of climate shift}. Scientists {now use|are now using|use} the term{ to|”global warming” to|”climate change” to} {describe the complex changes affecting|explain the complicated changes that affect|describe the complex changes that affect} the {weather and climate|climate and weather} systems {on our|of our|that exist on the} planet. Climate change {includes|can be described as|is characterized by} {rising temperatures|increasing temperatures|the rising temperature}{, extreme weather events| extreme weather events| extreme weather conditions}{, shifting wildlife habitats| changing habitats for wildlife| shifts in wildlife habitats} and {populations, rising seas|population growth, rising seas|increasing sea levels} and {many other impacts|a myriad of other effects|other impacts}.
{Renewables, like any|Like any|Like every} other {source of energy|energy source}{, have their own| are not without their own set of| come with their own} trade-offs. One of {these|them} {is the definition of renewable electricity|are the terms used to define renewable electricity|can be described as renewable electricity}. Renewable energy, {strictly speaking|in its strictest sense|as it is defined}{, is exactly| is precisely| is exactly} what you {might believe|think it is|would expect}. {It is either perpetually available|It’s always available|It’s either always accessible} or{, as| according to| as} {the|according to the|it is described by the} U.S. Energy Information Administration {says|declares|states}, “virtually unlimited.” {However|But|Although}, “renewable,” does not {necessarily mean sustainable as|mean that it is sustainable, as|necessarily mean sustainable . There} are {opponents to large|the main opponents to|those who oppose large} {hydropower dams or corn-based ethanol|power dams, or corn-based ethanol|Hydropower Dams and corn-based Ethanol}. {It doesn’t include|It does not include|This doesn’t mean} other {resources with|sources with|sources that have} {low- or no-emissions that|emissions that are low or zero, and|emission-free or low emissions that} {also have advocates like|are also backed by advocates, such as|also have advocates such as} {energy efficiency and nuclear power|nuclear power and energy efficiency}.
3 Examples of Renewable Energy sources
Hydropower: {People have used|Humans have used|People have utilized} the {energy|power} of rivers for {centuries|long periods of time|many centuries} {to harness their power|in order to tap into their energy|for harnessing their potential}{ and build| and construct|, and to build} dams to {regulate water flow|control the flow of water|regulate the flow of water}. The {world’s largest source of|largest resource in the world for|biggest source of} national renewable energy {laboratories|labs} is hydropower. It is {a major producer|the largest producer|a major source} of hydropower{, with| and has| which includes} China, Brazil and Canada {being the top|being the biggest|as the leading} producers. {Although hydropower can theoretically be|While hydropower is theoretically|Although hydropower could theoretically be} {a source of clean energy|an energy source that is clean|an alternative source of clean energy} that {is replenished by|can be replenished by|is replenished through} {rain or snow|snow or rain}{, there are several downsides| however, there are a few drawbacks| but there are many drawbacks}.
Large dams {can|may} {cause disruption to|disrupt|create disruptions to} {river ecosystems|the river ecosystem} and communities. {This can result in|This could lead to|The result could be} {the displacement of residents and|displacement of residents as well as} wildlife. Silt {buildup|accumulation|build-up} {can cause hydropower generation to|could cause hydropower generation to|can cause hydropower generation} {be less efficient and damage|be less efficient , and also damage|become less efficient and cause damage to} equipment. {Drought can also lead to|The drought can also cause|Dry conditions can cause} {problems|issues}. According to a {2018 study|study from 2018|study in 2018}{,|} {carbon dioxide emissions in|CO2 emissions from|carbon dioxide emission levels in} the Western U.S. were 100 megatons {more than normal|higher than normal|higher than usual} over a {15 year period|15-year period|period of 15 years}. This {was due to utilities turning|resulted from utilities switching|was due to utilities switching} {to coal and gas|to gas and coal|on gas and coal} {to replace lost hydropower|to replenish the hydropower lost|in order to replace the lost hydropower} {due to|because of} drought. Hydropower{ even at its full|, even when it is at its maximum| even at its highest} capacity{ has its emissions problems| is not without its emission issues|, has emissions issues} {as the decaying organic material|because the organic matter that is decomposing|since the organic material that decays} in reservoirs {emits|releases} methane.
{Not only are dams the|Dams are not only the|Dams aren’t the only} {best way to harness|most efficient method to harness|best method of harnessing} {water’s power, but so|the power of water, but so|the power of water, but also} {is wave and tide|are tide and wave|is tide and wave} energy. {Although marine energy projects generate|Even though marine energy projects produce|While marine energy projects account for} less than {1% of all renewables|1percent of all renewable energy|one percent of renewable energy}{, they still| however, they| but they still} {have the potential to produce|can produce|are able to generate} 500 megawatts. This {area has been encouraged|is a trend that has been boosted|has been made possible} {by programs like|through programs such as|by programs such as} {the|that of the|The} Saltire Prize in Scotland.
Wind{:|} {Wind energy|The energy of wind|Energy from wind turbines} has been {used|utilized} {as a source of energy|to generate energy|for energy production} for {over|more than} {7,000|7700|seven thousand} years. Wind turbines{ that generate| that produce|, which generate} electricity are now {proliferating|thriving|popping up} {all over the world|across the globe|throughout the world}{, with| and include| including} China{,| and| as well as} the U.S. {The|and Europe being the most prominent.|It is believed that the} United States and Europe are the {leading|top|largest} producers of wind {energy|power}. Between 2001 {and|between 2001 and|to} 2017{, the world’s accumulated| the world’s total|, the world’s cumulative} wind power {increased 22-fold|increased by 22 times|grew by 22-fold}. It was 23,900 {mw|megawatts|MW}{, but it could generate| however, it was able to generate| and it could produce} 539,000 megawatts.
{While some may be displeased|Although some might be dissatisfied|Although some might be unhappy} {at|with|about} {the way wind turbines appear|the way wind turbines are positioned|how wind turbines look} {on the horizon or their|in the sky or their|at the horizon, or the} {sound, wind energy|noise, wind energy|sounds, wind power} is {becoming|now} {too valuable to ignore,|more valuable than ever|an asset that is too valuable to be ignored,} {with its declining|due to its decreasing|because of its falling} {prices|costs|cost}. {Although most|While the majority of|Although the majority of} wind power {is generated|comes} {from onshore turbines most|by onshore turbines, the majority|through onshore turbines, most} of it {comes from|is generated by} offshore wind farms. {The most prominent being|Most prominently, they are located|The most well-known are} {in the|situated in|those in} U.K. and Germany. In 2016{,|} {the first|one of the first|the very first} U.S. offshore wind {farm was|farm|farms was} {opened|inaugurated|launched} {in|located in|within} Rhode Island. {Other offshore projects|Others offshore wind farms|The other offshore developments} are{ also|} {gaining momentum|growing in popularity|getting more attention}. Wind turbines {pose a threat|pose a risk|are a danger} to {birds and bats|bats and birds}. They kill {hundreds of thousands|thousands of bats and birds} {each year, although|annually, but|every year, though} {not as many as from|they are not as numerous as|less than} collisions with glass{ or other threats|, or other threats| or other dangers} {such as habitat loss and|like habitat loss or|such as habitat destruction and} {invasive|the spread of invasive|invading} species. Engineers are {looking for|seeking|searching for} ways to make {them more|them|these} {safe for flying wildlife|secure for wildlife flying through them|secure for flying wildlife}.
Solar{: Solar cells| cells: Solar panels} {are changing the energy market|have revolutionized the energy market|are changing the energy industry} {around the globe|all over the world|across the globe}{, from rooftops on| from the rooftops of| and are being used on rooftops in} {homes to large-scale farms|houses to farms on a large scale|homes to huge-scale farms}. The {world’s installed photovoltaic panel|photovoltaic panel’s installed|installed photovoltaic panel} {energy capacity has increased|capacity for energy has grown|capacity has increased} by 4,300 percent {in|during|over} the {decade|10 years|period} {between 2007 and 2017|between 2007 and 2017}.
{Apart from solar panels that|In addition to solar panels that|Apart from solar panels , which} convert direct sunlight {to|into} electricity{, concentrating| Concentrating} {sun|sunlight|solar} power (CSP){,|} plants also {use|make use of|employ} mirrors to {concentrate|focus} solar power plants{ and derive| and extract|, and to extract} thermal energy. {The|It is believed that the|CSP is a popular method of generating thermal energy.} U.S., Japan and China are {the leaders|the top three countries|leaders} in {solar|the field of solar} transformation. {However, solar still|But solar|However, solar} {has a lot of work|needs a lot|requires a lot} to {do|complete|be done}. In 2017{,|} {the|it was estimated that the|in the} U.S. generated around two percent {total|of the|of all} electricity. {Worldwide, solar thermal energy|Around the world, solar thermal energy|In the world, solar thermal power} is{ being|} {used for|utilized for|used to power} {solar heating and cooling|cooling and heating in the sun|solar cooling and heating}{, as well as| and| as well as} {hot water|hot water}.
Solar energy can be used to power your home
{Installing a solar photovoltaic|The installation of a photovoltaic solar|A solar photovoltaic} {home|house|residential} system is the {best|most efficient|ideal} {way|method|option} to {save money on|reduce the cost of|conserve money on} solar energy. The [xfield_company{]|company’s|The [xfield_company]} Solar Marketplace is a great {place to start your|location to begin your|starting point to} {search for the perfect|search for the ideal|look for the right} {system at the right|system for your needs at a reasonable|solution at the right} {price|cost}. {Sign up to receive free|Join today to receive no-cost|Sign up for free} {quotes from pre-vetted, qualified|estimates from pre-screened, certified|quotes from pre-screened, qualified} solar installers {near your location|in your area|close to your location}. It’s {easy|simple} {to compare quotes and|to evaluate quotes, and|for you to review quotes as well as} {understand|comprehend|to understand} {key metrics like|the most important metrics, such as|crucial metrics such as} {energy requirements and cost|the energy requirement and cost|costs} {per watt|per watt}.