INTERESTING PROMISE IN SOLAR RESEARCH
Solar energy is becoming more and more popular as society decides on renewable energy sources. One of the problems has been that the sun does not shine at night. Night is, of course, the time electricity is most needed by the average person at home. To make up for this, a home must be connected to the grid that supplies energy at night or to a storage system or both. There are different storage systems that collect the energy during the day and release it at night. But, until now, no system of solar collection could collect the maximum output of the sun. (This is a very non- scientific explanation of a technical subject—so please use the resources for a better understanding).
Researcher Bo Zhao, professor of mechanical engineering, and doctoral students at the University of Houston have found that, by working with the layers of material that collect the sun’s rays, they can reduce the number of rays that are reflected outward and are not absorbed. When more rays are absorbed, the efficiency of the collection system is vastly improved. They have also been working on much smaller units ( smaller than conventional batteries) that store excess energy to be released at night. This research has just been published in a peer reviewed journal, so it is a long way from production.
Questions of the interface with the grid will also need to be explored. However, it shows the great leaps forward in helping the world reach green energy goals and lower emissions. Lower emissions, it is hoped, will tend to retard the upswing in sever hurricanes like Ian. Included in the resources is a site to help you decide if solar is right for your home. Even if this new technology is not yet available, solar will save money and emission in the long run.
On a different topic—if you are able, please consider sending a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development to help aid the people of Florida who were hit by Hurricane Ian.
Earth Steward Action: Concerned about the cost of electricity? Consider looking into solar for your home. Prayerfully consider donating to Episcopal Relief and Development for the Florida recovery process.
Sources: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/use-solar-panels-24-7/
www.sciencedaily.com/relases/2022/10/221003141402.htm
www.solar-estimate.org (Kansas estimating site for solar for homes).
https://www.episcopalrelief.org/press-resource/press-releases/2022-press-release-hurricane-ian/ (ERD donation site)