Alternative Heating Solutions: Solar Heat Panels

Sun is the earth's primary source of heat and energy. The sunlight supports almost all life on earth by photosynthesis and drives Earth's climate and weather. Since sunlight is the primary component of ecosystem, the heating and cooling processes associated with the sun controls the water cycle of the planet, making big impact on ecology. The continued existence of life on earth requires heat and light coming from the Sun.

There are many reasons we are looking towards alternative energy sources.  Night time and winter seasons the heat and light needed is insufficient.  During these times, humans make use of alternative heat energy called fuel. Fuel is most abundant where you live and therefore the cheapest.  The term alternative fuel describes wood, wood pellets, corn, wheat, rye and other biomass materials as well as solar energy, wind power, and water for micro-hydro or geothermal systems. The abuse of these alternative heat sources contribute greatly to the increase in global temperature causing unwanted climate changes.

The destruction caused by these alternative heating solutions prompted scientists to create a more ecological-friendly solution. One of the most promising of these ecological-friendly alternatives is solar heat panels. The panel's work by harnessing the sun's natural energy to provide heat and light for households during winter seasons, among other things.

On a typical day, the sun produces heat energy. But finding the means to make this energy useful is the greatest challenge now. The energy that can be harnessed from the sun can be stored and used when needed. The two unique aspects of solar heat panels are; heat generation and storage.

Flat, thin box-like panels, which are transparent in colors, are the description of collecting panels. It usually placed on the buildings or rooftops of the houses that faces the sun. The heat energy from the sun is absorbed by the black metal plate which is located inside the box. The plate then activates the sun's radiation to heat the liquid tubing matrix in the collector. Water, air, and antifreeze chemicals are the usual liquids used. These solar panels are able to heat up the fluids to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, close to boiling point of water.

Heat stored in the solar panels is beneficial in providing needed warmth and light, particularly during winter months when fossil fuel costs typically rise and sometimes become unaffordable for those who need it most.  The continuous use of these fuels on a massive scale has already had a damaging effect upon the Earth, an effect that will be felt for generations to come. The best solution to save the planet is these Eco-friendly alternatives like the solar heat panels.