Solar power is the conversion of the energy from the sun to usable electricity.

About the solar Energy

The most common source of solar power utilizes photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity.

Photovoltaics utilize a semi-conductor to absorb the radiation from the sun, when the semi-conductor abosrbs this radiation it emits electrons, which are harnessed as electricity.

Disadvantage of solar energy

1. Solar energy can only be harnessed when it is daytime and sunny.

2. Solar collectors, panels and cells are relatively expensive to manufacture although prices are falling rapidly.

3. Solar power stations can be built but they do not match the power output of similar sized conventional power stations. They are also very expensive.

4. In countries such as the UK, the unreliable climate means that solar energy is also unreliable as a source of energy.

5. Large areas of land are required to capture the suns energy.

Collectors are usually arranged together especially when electricity is to be produced and used in the same location.

6. Solar power is used to charge batteries so that solar powered devices can be used at night.

However, the batteries are large and heavy and need storage space. They also need replacing from time to time.