Gathering Solar Energy directly from the sun is much better for the environment than the traditional fossil fuels energy.

There are many among us who have a deep concern about the welfare of the planet. If you are one, you will definitely find solar energy interesting. Solar energy is as natural it can get. It can be obtained abundantly from the sun and virtually every living organism on planet earth use it to continue its daily process. Even we human indirectly use solar energy to power our daily activities.

Our primary energy gathering process, to make it simple, begins with plants. Plants gather energy with the process called photosynthesis. It uses water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight to make glucoses.

 

The chemical equation for photosynthesis is:

- 6H₂O + 6CO₂ + (sunlight) → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6CO₂

 

With the abundant of glucoses created by plants, we and other animals consume it to fulfill our daily energy need.

 

The chemical equation for glucose extraction is:

- C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ →  6CO₂ + 6H₂O + (energy)

 

Sources:

Photosynthesis: http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BioBookPS.html

Glucose Extraction http://www.tiem.utk.edu/bioed/webmodules/ATPEfficiency.htm

Filed under: Solar Energy Facts