How Solar Energy Can Help Save The Earth

Many scientists are working hard at finding new ways to operate without having to rely on chemicals and machines. Many feel that the Earth is slowly dying because of the manufacturing plants and cars that we drive that emit harmful chemicals and gases into the air. One way that they are helping to revolutionize the way we live is to replace electric energy with solar energy.

Solar energy is radiant heat and light that is emanated from the Sun. This light helps to influence the climate on Earth and allows not only humans and animals - but also fish to live. Solar energy has been harnessed for power since the ancient times by humans through the use of different technologies.

The Earth can receive 174 petawatts of solar radiation or insolation in its upper atmosphere. Around 30% of that is reflected back into space and the rest of it is absorbed by the clouds, land masses, and the oceans. The spectrum of solar light on the surface of the Earth is predominantly spread across near infrared and visible ranges and a small part in the near ultraviolet. The solar light that is absorbed is able to heat the land surface, atmosphere, and oceans.

Solar energy as well as hydroelectricity, wind, and wave power make up 99.97% of the renewable energy that is available on the Earth. The total amount of solar energy that the Earth’s atmosphere, land masses, and oceans absorbs is close to 3,850 zettajoules a year. Studies show that in 2002 this was more energy in one single hour then what the world would use in a total year.

The amount of solar energy that the Earth’s surface can hold is so large that in a single year it will be twice the amount that we can obtain from non-renewable resources of oil, coal, and natural gas. Because of this consumers themselves are seeking to purchase their own solar energy systems to help save them money and to keep the Earth safe.

By: Naomi West

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Understanding what Solar Energy Is and why most people find it important will give us an insight on way that we can Harness It.