Is the sun an infinite source of energy?

The Sun offers a phenomenal quantity of energy, 10,000 times greater than the global energy demand of the 7 billion inhabitants that we form. This could go on for another 5 billion years. Discover with SirEnergies how the Sun can be considered an infinite source of energy.

What is the sun made of?

The Sun is a huge ball of gas that gives off heat every day. It contains 25% helium and 75% hydrogen in perpetual combustion. The composition of the Sun allows it to release an energy estimated at 1,000 W/m² onto the Earth's surface.

Where does the sun's energy come from?

From the most microscopic single-celled organism to the largest mammal, every living being uses energy to be born, grow, and to stay alive. Numerous studies have shown that the sun is the main source of energy that Feeds almost the entire planet. The ocean, the soil, the plants and yourself receive solar energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation.

Solar energy comes from several nuclear reactions that take place in its core. The Sun produces heat whose temperature is estimated at 15 million degrees. Note that iron reddens at 800°C.

So the Sun is a hot gas ball. So most of the Earth's energy supply comes from the Sun.

This energy is used to power the biosphere. It helps maintain Earth's temperature at an appropriate standard of living. By warming the planet, the Sun promotes the water cycle and makes life on Earth possible. It is thanks to the sun's rays that we have rain, plants, food and everything that contributes to human well-being.

Solar energy can also be used to generate electricity with photovoltaic cells or from solar thermal power plants.

What are the different types of solar energy?

Several researches have allowed scientists to find effective ways to better channel and exploit this vast energy reserve. There are mainly 3 different types of solar energy (thermal, photovoltaic and thermodynamic).

Solar thermal energy

The sun is very hot. It is undeniable. You will certainly not want to find yourself fifty million kilometers from this star in space.

Located 58 million kilometers away, Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun. At this distance, zinc and lead melt like plastic. On the surface of the Sun, the temperature isabout 6,000 degrees.

The sun is therefore an inexhaustible source of heat. But who says heat, says source of energy. To obtain solar thermal energy, solar collectors are used that transform solar radiation into heat and then into energy. This energy production is based on thermal conduction and absorption.

Solar thermal energy can be used to get hot water in the faucets or heating inside the house.

Photovoltaic solar energy

In addition to being very hot, the sun has the particularity of being particularly bright. Have you ever tried to stare at him without protection? How long did you last? Certainly not for long.

And for good reason, every time it appears in the sky, the Sun sends us an incalculable number of photons (light particles).

To have solar energy, photovoltaic panels capture photons to Then transform them into electric current. This energy can be used to heat the house or to operate electrical appliances.

Thermodynamic solar energy

It is in a way a combination of solar thermal and photovoltaic energy. The light produced by the sun's rays is first captured and then transformed into electrical energy.

This technology is more intended for power plants. These large installations can produce more energy by concentrating solar radiation with optical systems like mirrors. The heat may be preserved in a heat transfer liquid, which allows you to have energy at all times, even when there is no sun.

According to The International Energy Agency, around 11% of the world's energy will come from thermodynamic solar power plants by 2050. Solar is therefore the energy of the future.

Solar energy: what are the pros and cons

Solar energy has a fairly good reputation in society. She is considered to be a good alternative to fossil fuels. Solar has many advantages, but also disadvantages.

Benefits of solar energy

It is a green and renewable energy which can meet the needs of the population without greenhouse gas emissions. The production of hot water and electrical energy from this source is not polluting.

In addition, it is an almost inexhaustible source of energy. Solar energy causes a low level of pollution. It is clean energy because it allows us to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

It also allows us to save money while preserving the planet. Solar energy systems generally don't need a lot of maintenance.

Solar is also suitable for isolated sites. It is an ideal solution for areas where it is difficult to access the electrical network. Solar panels don't involve moving parts, so they don't make any noise.

This is an advantage that puts the sun above some renewables suchlike Wind energy. Solar is available everywhere in the world and even in space. It can be used to power satellites and space missions.

Disadvantages of solar energy

Despite its numerous advantages, solar energy still has some disadvantages. First, the mismatch between the quantity of energy received and the quantity of electrical energy obtained after transformation.

Performance is also dependent on the weather. Energy performance can be very poor in areas where the sky is generally cloudy.

Additionally, the Sun's inclination relative to the surface of the solar panel may result in shorter daylight hours in some areas. The energy generated is sometimes limited. It is therefore important to be able to store it in order to use it at the right time.

The sun is there energy source of the future. While fossil energy is increasingly controversial today, solar seems to be the most suitable alternative for our planet. On a human scale, it is a a clean and almost infinite source of energy that will be able to feed the Earth for a few more thousand years.

This is why the energy transition for businesses is now highly recommended. To help you find the right energy supplier, SirEnergies supports and advises you in your choice to optimize your consumption. You thus benefit from an energy supply cheaper and of good quality.

Did you know that?

Recognizing the climate emergency, SirEnergies offers professionals and businesses the opportunity to limit the ecological impact in terms of energy.
We have made the choice to work with key players in solar photovoltaic to offer you support solutions dedicated to your photovoltaic self-consumption projects.
Click below for more information:

Self-consumption solution