Solar Energy

Go to New Era Solar Energy

Sun provides 10 000 times more of free power than present total global consumption. Total annual energy turnover at the global commercial market is a bit less than 85 billion (8,5 x 1013) kW·h. As it is not possible to follow the whole process one must not be certain how much of commercial power is consumed by people (for instance the amount of wood and fertilizers burnt and amount of water used for mechanical and electric power production). Some experts think that this commercial power represents one fifth of the total consumed power. Even if it is true the total power consumption per year is approximately one seven thousandth part of solar energy falling on the Earth surface for the same period.

Solar radiation can be transformed into useful power by using so-called active and passive solar systems. Passive systems are developed by maximizing solar power consumption due to building design and selection of construction materials. Active solar systems include special solar panels. At present development of photovoltaic power system, that convert solar radiation directly into electricity, is in progress.

Power is a driving force of any production. The availability of big amount of cheap energy considerably facilitated industrialization and social development.

Sun is mostly consists of hydrogen – 71% of total Sun’s mass. Almost 27% is helium and the rest 2% – heavy elements as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and metals. But hydrogen is the main Sun’s «fuel». Four hydrogen atoms form one helium atom due to transformation chain. Every hydrogen gram produces 6×1011 J of energy! This power volume is enough to heat 1000 cubic meters of water on the planet from 0є C to the water boiling point.