Is Solar Power A Renewable Resource ?

We have known for a long time that traditional energy sources that are used to provide electricity, heat and hot water to the home are finite. We also know that oil that is refined to provide fuel for our car and many other traditional forms of transport is also finite. One day they will run out but when this happens is not exactly clear. In the current climate, this seems to be translating to increased costs in finding, extracting and delivering energy resources to the users and customers : you and me. Traditional energy resources or fossil fuels are also thought to be responsible for the increased output of carbon dioxide into the environment which is causing or aggravating the current global warming problem. Thus, there is a increasing interest in renewable energy as a way to power our homes to save money and provide an infinite, or at least, feasible long term strategy for our energy needs. This article will discuss renewable resources and ask is solar power a renewable resource.

Renewable energy is defined as a source of energy that is derived from a naturally occurring resource that is naturally replenishing. The following types of resources are classified as renewable.

• Biofuels
• Biomass
• Geothermal
• Hydro power
• Tidal power
• Wave power
• Solar power
• Wind power

Biofuels and Biomass deal with the growing of crops that are easy to grow and replenish to produce fuel, like ethanol, to run combustion engines in cars and other forms of transport. Biomass is the growing of crops that can be used to burn to create heat for cooking and warmth. They do not help the global warming situation as carbon dioxide is still liberated into the atmosphere by using them.

Geothermal power is the use of the heat in the earth to heat water. This can be used directly or to power a turbine to produce electricity.

Hydro power, tidal power and wave power use water as a way to create energy. In the case of hydro power, this may be the creation of a dam that uses the kinetic energy of water to power a turbine to create electricity. Building Dams are thought to damage the surrounding environment but are a reliable source of energy.

Wave and tidal power use the motion of the sea to create energy. Given that waves and tides will always occur this is a renewable and environmentally friendly energy resource.

Wind Power is also a renewable resource and does not damage the environment. However, many people think that a farm of wind turbines is unsightly.

So solar power is a renewable resource. It derives it's energy from the Sun. The Sun's energy will not run out and if it does then the planet will cease to exist. The Sun is the source of all energy, be it fossil or renewable energy resources, in one form or the other.

Solar power is applied in two ways. The use of thermal heat from the Sun to heat water and other materials. Heat is even used in some solar power stations to generate electricity. The light energy provided by the sun is also used by the application of photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells convert light energy into electricity. This can be used to power appliances or supply electricity to the home.

The application of solar power is not damaging to the environment and does not contribute to the global warming problem. Although some people claim the making of photovoltaic cells contributes to global warming.

In terms of renewable energy sources in 2005, solar heating accounted for 6.83% and photovoltaics accounted for 0.42% of the total.

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