Energy Resources and Transfer: Solar, Water and Wave Power

Solar energy refers to power that is harnessed from the sun’s rays. It is a renewable, environmentally friendly energy source because it does not produce pollutants or contribute to global warming.
Photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar cells, are used to convert sunlight into electricity. These cells are often used in remote locations, satellites and calculators. Larger arrays of solar cells are used in solar power plants to generate electricity on a larger scale.
Comparatively, solar power stations do not operate at night or when it’s cloudy, implicating their reliability is dependent on the weather.
In terms of efficiency, modern solar cells only convert about 15% of the sunlight they absorb into electricity. However, research continues to improve this.
Water power, or hydroelectric power, involves the use of falling or flowing water to generate electricity. This is usually achieved by constructing a dam across a river, creating a head of water that turns a turbine, which then spins a generator to make electricity.
Just like solar energy, hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source because it relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the sun.
Dams can have significant environmental impacts, such as altering habitats for aquatic life and reducing the quality of water downstream. In addition, the construction of dams often involves the displacement of local communities.
Wave power refers to the capture of energy from the ocean in the form of waves. This could be harnessed to generate electricity by using devices like oscillating water columns or point absorbers.
Wave energy has the potential to become a major source of electricity, as oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface. However, this form of energy is not as well-developed as other renewable resources such as wind or solar.
One of the major disadvantages of wave power is the environmental impact. Devices that capture wave energy can be harmful to marine life, and the underwater noise produced can interfere with the navigation of certain marine animals.
It’s crucial to remember that all forms of renewable energy have to be managed carefully to mitigate negative impacts - although they contribute to reducing the use of fossil fuels, they are not without their own issues.
Another point to note is the concept of energy transfer. It’s all about how energy moves from one place to another. For instance, in solar cells, energy is transferred from light to electrical energy, and in hydroelectric power stations, potential energy in water is converted into mechanical energy which is then converted into electrical energy.