Active solar energy is a type of renewable energy that uses sunlight to produce electric power. It uses devices such as photovoltaic panels or wind turbines to convert sunlight into electricity.
What does it mean when we say “active” and not just “solar”? Solar isn’t necessarily active, but rather passive in its role as an electricity generation process. In this case however, the word means something more specific: there are sensors or computers involved in actively directing where on Earth’s surface the panels should be pointed at any given time so they can capture even slight amounts of movement from wind speed changes across all surfaces around them for example which would affect how much light gets hit by each panel without human intervention (e.g., moving big mirrors).
An active solar heating system uses the sun’s energy to heat a fluid – either liquid or air – and then transfers that heat directly into an interior space. This is ideal for homes where there isn’t enough sunlight during winter months, but don’t want to rely on auxiliary systems like electric furnaces all year round.
Types Of Active Solar energy
Active solar energy is divided into three categories, each with a unique application:
- The first category of active solar energy involves using mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight and distribute heat in a specific location, such as for heating water at the point-of-use.
- The second category focuses on thermal power plants that use concentrated solar radiation along with traditional steam generators to produce electricity from molten salt solutions which can be stored underground.
- Last but not least are photoelectric cells (PVs) like silicon wafers used by buildings and homes convert light directly into electricity without moving parts; this technology has been around since 1839 when Alexandre Edmond Becquerel accidentally discovered it while experimenting with electrolysis .
How Does It Work?
Instead of using passive solar energy, active solar systems use the sun’s rays to heat either a liquid or gas. This is done by placing these items inside what are called collectors which absorb sunlight and transfer it to those liquids/gases via heating them up.
Instead of heating water in a boiler, the fluid can be heated and sent to another heat exchanger where it will transfer its heat to water. This hot water can then go into buildings’ central heating systems or their hot-water supply system which may also store the water for later use.
As a great option to consider if we want no further rise in the temperature of the earth, active solar energy is economical and environment-friendly. It can even help lower temperatures. Active solar energy is the use of moving parts, electronics, switches or other controls in order to harness power from the sun.
