Different Types of Solar Technologies and Finding the Right Fit

There are many different types of solar technologies used today to power our lives based on our specific needs. From the home owner looking to light up their home, to the power plant looking to provide energy to entire cities, different solar technologies need to be taken into consideration when deciding which type is right for your life.

Which types of solar energy technologies are there?

There are currently multiple types of solar energy technologies we use, and their uses vary depending on the needs of its user. For instance, we have technologies that serve to power the everyday home. We have systems used to generate electricity for entire power plants. We have systems that have been in place since ancient civilizations that use natural sunlight and greenhouse effects to warm buildings. And we have technologies that are specifically used by industrial buildings to power a large area and save companies time and money.

If you would like to view the pros and cons of different types of solar panels, check out this blog.

What is a photovoltaic system?

As discussed above, these systems are the ones used for solar panel technology. Their energy comes from the sun, which is absorbed into the solar panels. They can even be used to power everyday items, like a calculator.

What are hot water systems?

These types of solar systems usually use flat-plates. This is a type of solar collector that faces the sun, with tubes that are attached to it so that water can be heated directly. The water then travels to a storage tank where the hot water is kept to be used for things like showers and washing machines. Smaller solar collectors are used to heat swimming pools, and instead of being made of concrete, are often made of plastic or rubber.

How a Power Plant Gets Solar Energy

Power plants now use multiple types of systems to produce electricity. The first system is a mirror system, called a parabolic-trough system, wherein oil courses through a pipe with the mirrors focused on it. The mirrors direct the sunlight onto the pipe and heat it up to produce electricity. They also use a dish system, which resembles a satellite dish, where mirrors are placed on the surface which absorbs the heat and, like the oil in the parabolic-trough system, heat is absorbed into the fluid within the engine, creating mechanical power. The third type they use is a power tower system. Again, mirrors are used to focus sunlight on top of a tower. A receiver is placed on the tower which contains salt. The salt is heated to generate electricity.

Passive Heating

Using the advantage of a south-facing wall, natural heat can be gained in our modern buildings by simply placing large windows on the south side. For an added advantage, materials can be placed in the floors and walls that will absorb even more of the sunlight and create even more heat.

Industrial Solar Power

Because industrial buildings require more power than the average home, different techniques are often used. One of these systems that uses a slightly different technique is a transpired collector, which is similar to the flat-plate in that a black metal panel is used, and, like the passive heating technique, is placed on the south side wall. The main difference is that these panels have a ventilation system that preheats the air, an advantage needed for heating a large building. Industrial buildings also use the parabolic-trough systems of power plants, as these systems hold in the heat.

For more information on how to go solar, as well as helpful tips on what kind of solar energy is right for you, visit the HahaSmart blog to find out more information.

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