Solar energy is the most readily available source of energy.
It does not belong to anybody and is, therefore, free. It is also the most
important of the non-conventional sources of energy because it is non-polluting
and, therefore, helps in lessening the greenhouse effect.
Solar energy has been used since prehistoric times, but in a
most primitive manner. Before 1970, some research and development was carried
out in a few countries to exploit solar energy more efficiently, but most of
this work remained mainly academic. After the dramatic rise in oil prices in
the 1970s, several countries began to formulate extensive research and
development programs to exploit solar energy.
When we hang out our clothes to dry in the sun, we use the
energy of the sun. In the same way, solar panels absorb the energy of the sun
to provide heat for cooking and for heating water. Such systems are available
in the market and are being used in homes and factories.
In the next few years it is expected that millions of
households in the world will be using solar energy as the trends in USA and
Japan show. In India too, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency and
the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources are formulating a program to
have solar energy in more than a million households in the next few years.
However, the people’s initiative is essential if the program is to be
successful.
India is one of the few countries with long days and plenty
of sunshine, especially in the Thar Desert region. This zone, having abundant
solar energy available, is suitable for harnessing solar energy for a number of
applications. In areas with similar intensity of solar radiation, solar energy
could be easily harnessed. Solar thermal energy is being used in India for
heating water for both industrial and domestic purposes. A 140 MW integrated
solar power plant is to be set up in Jodhpur but the initial expense incurred
is still very high.
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