How to Store Solar Energy
Solar energy is collected on Earth as an alternative source of energy that enables us to heat our homes, heat our water, power our electricity and other necessities. When storing solar energy, it's necessary to have a way of collecting it and a way of generating it so that it can be used. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Install large solar panels on your home to trap solar energy. These are expensive, but they can store more solar energy if they are on your house closer to the sun's rays.
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Use liquid like water or a packed bed to store solar energy. A packed bed is a container usually filled with water or a similar liquid. Stones are placed inside the container where they soak up the sun's energy. The liquid absorbs the sun's rays similar to how a lake or ocean does. If you are ever out on the water swimming, you probably notice how easier it is to get sun burned.
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Store solar energy using heat-of-fusion units, which use chemicals to change water to a solid form. This is similar to a packed bed, but the liquid absorbs the sun's rays and then the chemicals convert the liquid to a solid so it traps the energy.
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Install incidental heat traps in your home to warm the floor and house. This requires a stone floor so that the heat can come into your window and be absorbed into the stone floor. The floor is warm during the day but cools in the evening as the heat from the floor rises up and warms the house during the evening. A similar method of warming the house is called thermo-siphoning walls and roofs, which work the same way as long as they are positioned to heat the home.
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Tips & Warnings
Hire a contractor who specializes in installing solar energy units.
Research the cost to install the solar energy units so it fits in your budget.
Solar energy units can be expensive.
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