Solar energy is a renewable energy source that harnesses radiant light and heat from the sun to power technological systems such as photovoltaics (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), and solar heating and cooling systems (SHC). Also commonly referred to as solar power, it is converted into thermal or electrical energy and is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source. Solar energy can be used to dry crops, heat greenhouses and livestock buildings, heat water, provide light, cook, and more.
Photovoltaics or standard solar panels generate an electric current by capturing light particles called photons and then separating the electrons within the panel’s solar cells, which then produces an electric current. This system of harnessing solar energy can be used to power farm operations such as remote water pumps, livestock house lights, and electric fences to name a few.
A concentrated solar power system concentrates light from the sun and reflects it on devices to generate electricity. Some technologies include parabolic troughs, a solar power tower, Fresnel reflectors, electricity-generating turbines, and dish Stirling. There is also solar energy technology called a solar heating and cooling system. This refers to the collection of thermal energy from the sun and then using this heat to provide hot water for dairy operations, cooling, pen cleaning, and more.
A greenhouse uses roughly 1 to 2 kWh of electricity per square foot per year. Many commercial greenhouses are not designed to use the sun for heat, only for light. This means they rely on gas or oil heaters to warm plants during the winter months. A common option for small farms is a solar greenhouse which utilizes solar energy for heat and light. This type of greenhouse collects and stores solar heat energy using thermal mass.
One of the major benefits of solar energy is that there is a limitless supply of sunlight. Further limiting the dependence on fossil fuels and reducing pollution. Solar energy does have a significant upfront cost but will save energy costs in the long run.
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