We often hear about solar car, solar heating or solar batteries. But will solar energy ever be a major source of energy for industrial societies? The solar energy is cheaper than any other fossil fuel because we can get the abundant source from the sun.
In sunny desert areas, 50% of the sun's radiation that reaches the ground could be used to produce electricity for businesses and industry, to provide heat, light and hot water for homes. Experimental sollar ponds can produce hot water to drive generators.
Unfortunately, we can't yet power our homes entirely on sunlight. Solar energy can only be exploited in bright light. Its greatest potential, therefore is in hot countries that have clear skies for most of the year. While most houses are not always in the sunniest part of the world. In addition, to harness the solar power, solar cells are needed to convert the sunlight directly into electricity. Solar cells are very cheap to run, but relatively expensive to buy and many people can't afford it.
Needless to say that solar energy is a useful and non-polluted source of energy. Nevertheless, solar cells, the main important device to harness the sun's energy are still very expensive.
Sience and Nature Engiclophedy, vol 3, P.102
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