Solar energy is radiation from the sun capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions or generating electricity. The Sun is an extremely powerful source of energy, and sunlight is by far the greatest source of energy received by the Earth, but its intensity on the Earth's surface is actually quite low. This is mainly due to the enormous radial spread of radiation from the distant Sun. A relatively minor additional loss is due to Earth's atmosphere and clouds, which absorb or scatter up to 54 percent of incident sunlight. Yet the total amount of solar energy incident on Earth far exceeds current and projected global energy needs. If properly harnessed, this widely distributed source has the potential to meet all future energy needs. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayIn the 21st century, solar energy is expected to become increasingly attractive as an energy source due to its supply The contrast is striking with the limited fossil fuels of coal, oil and natural gas. The sunlight that reaches the ground is made up of almost 50% visible light, 45% infrared radiation, and smaller amounts of ultraviolet and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. This radiation can be converted either into thermal energy (heat) or into electrical energy, although the first solution is easier to achieve. Two main types of devices are used to capture solar energy and convert it into thermal energy: planar collectors and concentrating collectors. Because the intensity of solar radiation on the Earth's surface is so low, both types of sensors must have a large surface area. For example, even in sunny areas of temperate regions of the world, a sensor needs to have an area of ​​about 40 square meters to collect enough energy to meet a person's energy needs. The most widely used flat sensors are made of blackened material. metal plate covered with one or two sheets of glass, heated by sunlight falling on it. This heat is then transferred to air or water, called carrier fluids, which flow out the back of the plate. Heat can be used directly or transferred to another medium for storage. Flat panel sensors are commonly used for hot water heating and home heating. Heat storage for use at night or on cloudy days is usually achieved by using insulated tanks to store heated water during sunny periods. Such a system can supply a home with hot water drawn from the storage tank or, with the heated water circulating through tubes in the floors and ceilings, it can provide space heating. Flat plate collectors typically heat heat transfer fluids to temperatures ranging from 66 to 93°C. The efficiency of these collectors ranges from 20 to 80 percent, depending on the design of the collector. When higher temperatures are required, a concentrating or focusing collector is used. These devices focus sunlight received from a large area onto a small, blackened receiver, greatly increasing the intensity of the light to produce high temperatures. The carefully aligned arrays of mirrors or lenses used in these so-called solar ovens can concentrate enough sunlight to heat a target to.