Solar energy conservation is the process of lessening the use of exhaustible fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy derived from collecting and transforming solar radiation. The use of an independent energy source prevents the negative impacts on the environment that result from the use of oil and gas. Solar conservation involves reducing our reliance on oil and gas, reducing greenhouse emissions and easing the strain on existing electricity grids.
Fossil fuels are resources mined or released from the earth, such as oil, coal and gas. The world uses these resources to make the energy that powers electrical grids, heats houses and operates cars, among many other things. These resources are finite, however, and identified underground sources can run dry. More importantly, the use of fossil fuels has a negative effect on the environment, creating emissions that pollute the surrounding area, break down the ozone layer and contribute to global warming.
Conservation is the process of reducing the use of fossil fuels to prevent those negative impacts on the environment. This reduction can happen by lessening the demand for fossil fuels -- by making appliances more energy efficient, for example -- or through the use of alternative forms of energy that are naturally efficient and environmentally-friendly. Solar energy conservation involves using products to transform an inexhaustible supply of solar radiation into a renewable source of efficient energy to accomplish conservation goals.
Special Photovotaic Cells (PVCs) are manufactured into panels and placed on structures to catch solar radiation. These cells can capture up to 22 percent of the sun's radiation. The radiation is converted into energy that can be used to power electricity or provide heating. Electricity generation is particularly useful, as it decreases reliance on overtaxed electricity grids. Some people who have installed solar panels on their homes have been able to sell excess energy to the local power utilities, creating an even greater effect of solar energy conservation efforts.
The world's burgeoning energy needs are a continual source of worry for people, government and environmentalists. There is a great deal of uncertainty around future energy costs and availability. Energy costs continue to increase in line with increasing demand, while natural resources decrease. Meanwhile, energy use is contributing to climate change that is having devastating environmental effects all over the world. Solar energy conservation is one solution to these problems, along with other sources of renewable energy, such as wind and water power.