# The sun, the father of all energies. # Today I continue with this series of post in which I have embarked regarding electromagnetic spectra, more specifically with solar energy, since to speak of solar energy is to speak of the father of all energies. Sunlight is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, that is, it is a type of electromagnetic wave that moves through space in all directions and reaches the Earth in a time of 8 minutes. # https://www.connaissancedesenergies.org/sites/default/files/large_text_img_ressources_thermique_0.jpg [Source](https://www.connaissancedesenergies.org/sites/default/files/large_text_img_ressources_thermique_0.jpg) # When we talk about solar energy, we refer to solar thermal energy and photovoltaic solar energy. # Solar thermal energy. # Consists of heating a fluid taking advantage of the sun's energy, which would produce steam and, later, electrical energy. This is achieved by solar collectors or collectors. # http://nest-sl.com/graf/termico/Thermal_systems.jpg [Source](http://nest-sl.com/graf/termico/Thermal_systems.jpg) # # Photovoltaic Solar Energy. # In this case, sunlight would affect a photovoltaic cell that produces electrical energy directly. # https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0f35e3_73037eccffec43c8a85beeca806b5a11~mv2_d_2241_1961_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_630,h_551,al_c,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/0f35e3_73037eccffec43c8a85beeca806b5a11~mv2_d_2241_1961_s_2.png [Source](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0f35e3_73037eccffec43c8a85beeca806b5a11~mv2_d_2241_1961_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_630,h_551,al_c,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/0f35e3_73037eccffec43c8a85beeca806b5a11~mv2_d_2241_1961_s_2.png) # The Sun, source of life and origin of the other forms of energy that the hum an being has used since its creation and evolution. It is estimated that the sun has shone in the sky for about five billion years and has not yet reached half of its existence. # Such a magnificent star can satisfy all our energy needs if we learn how to take advantage of it. It would be illogical to waste it especially when we can use by all the technically possible means this free, clean, inexhaustible and universally available energy source. # Photovoltaic conversion consists of the direct transformation of light energy into electrical energy. For this purpose, solar panels formed by photovoltaic cells (silicon or germanium) are used. # https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Fixed_Tilt_Solar_panel_at_Canterbury_Municipal_Building_Canterbury_New_Hampshire.jpg/1200px-Fixed_Tilt_Solar_panel_at_Canterbury_Municipal_Building_Canterbury_New_Hampshire.jpg [Source](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Fixed_Tilt_Solar_panel_at_Canterbury_Municipal_Building_Canterbury_New_Hampshire.jpg/1200px-Fixed_Tilt_Solar_panel_at_Canterbury_Municipal_Building_Canterbury_New_Hampshire.jpg) # https://i0.wp.com/clipset.20minutos.es/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/casa-paneles-solares-640x394.jpg?resize=640%2C394 [Source](https://i0.wp.com/clipset.20minutos.es/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/casa-paneles-solares-640x394.jpg?resize=640%2C394) # # Benefits of solar energy. # * Renewable. * Inexhaustible. * Non-polluting. * Avoid global warming. * Reduce the use of fossil fuels. * Reduce energy imports. * Generates wealth and local employment. * Contributes to sustainable development. * It is modular and very versatile, adaptable to different situations. * It allows applications for large-scale power generation and also for small cores isolated from the network. # # Disadvantages. # * It is not 100% reliable. * High initial investment. * Efficiency problems. * Complications of transfer. * The materials used for solar panels can cause pollution. * Negative energy balance. * Installation area. # # Types of solar panels. # http://www.ausindsolar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/table.jpg [Source](http://www.ausindsolar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/table.jpg) # # In conclusion. # The use and implementation of this energy bring environmental, educational, economic and social benefits. But it is also true that the cost and permanent maintenance of photovoltaic systems and other modes of use require large investments by each of the nations. Only by continuing the investigation can we reduce costs in what pertains to their permanence. # # References. * http://sunwatersolar.com/solar-thermal/what-is-solar-thermal * https://www.studentenergy.org/topics/solar-thermal * https://www.ingeteam.com/en-us/sectors/solar-thermal-energy/s15_60_p/products.aspx * http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/solar-energy/tech/solarpv.html * Photovoltaic Solar Energy by: Marcelo Romero Tous.