New uses
Solar Energy– Why and How?
08/06/2010
© Total / Follet Etienne
With energy needs increasing and energy resources becoming rarer, solar energy offers many advantages. Free of greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants, it can be converted into electricity (solar photovoltaic power) or heat (solar thermal power), which can in turn be converted into electricity (thermodynamic solar power).
Despite these assets, solar energy has only really gained in popularity since the beginning of this century. Before, solar energy systems cost too much for homeowners, businesses, and local authorities.
Today, solar power systems perform better and cost less. As a result, they are being installed everywhere. Their growth is boosted by public funding for renewable energy in the form of grants or incentivized repurchase rates for solar electricity.
In developing countries, photovoltaic energy gives people access to telecommunications networks and drinking water. Solar farms and power plants are sprouting up everywhere, while researchers and engineers are constantly testing new equipment. Solar energy has a great future ahead of it!
Increasingly Accessible Solar Energy
Improved output, reduced generating costs and public funding - since the start of the century all these conditions have been in place to ensure that solar energy plays an increasing role in our daily lives.
Photovoltaics Worldwide- Energy Adapted to Multiple Uses
In the United States, Germany, France, Japan, Morocco, Senegal, and elsewhere, photovoltaic electricity is used in a wide variety of applications.
Solar Energy- Energy with a Future
With substantial investments in research and development, the solar energy field is expanding rapidly. Find out more about the most promising technologies currently being investigated.
