Question

How much solar energy is available, and what happens when it is used? What are some problems with harnessing solar energy?

Short answer

The amount of solar energy available is immense, but not all of it reaches the earth due to reflection and absorption by oceans, clouds, and landmasses. Though it can be harnessed through various technologies, there are several limitations to its usage such as cost, reliance on weather, storage issues, and space requirements.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Solar Energy Availability

Solar energy refers to the energy we get from the sun. Earth receives an approximately 174,000 Terawatts of solar energy annually. However, not all these reach the surface. About 30% is reflected back to space while the rest is absorbed by oceans, clouds, and landmasses.

Energy Conversion

Solar energy can be harnessed through the use of various technologies like solar heating, photovoltaics, molten salt power plants, and artificial photosynthesis, which converts solar energy into a usable form of energy - most frequently electricity.

Problems with Harnessing Solar Energy

Harnessing solar energy comes with several challenges. These include: 1. Initial Cost: Setting up photovoltaic panels can be costly. However, it's viewed as a long-term investment.2. Dependence on Weather: Solar energy production is dependent on the weather conditions, which can be unpredictable.3. Storage problems: Storing solar energy for use during non-sunny hours is another crucial issue.4. Space Requirement: Solar panels need a lot of space for installation, which can limit its usage in densely-populated areas.