Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable form of power derived from the radiant energy of the sun. This energy is harnessed through various technologies, primarily through photovoltaic cells and solar thermal systems.
Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source harnessing power from the sun without producing harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases. Solar power allows individuals , business and communities to generate their own electricity , leading to reduced dependence on traditional utility grids.
The first solar device to produce electricity from sunlight was installed on a rooftop in New York in 1883 by American inventor Charles Fritts. In 1905, Albert Einstein discovered light particles known today as "photons." He predicted that photons above a certain energy level would eject electrons.
Today, solar energy is one of the fastest growing sources of our electricity. And new improvements are making solar cells even lighter, cheaper, more powerful, and more flexible, so we can use them in more places. [NREL logo]
Proper placement of solar cells maximizes energy productivity. Solar energy is an important and popular form of renewable energy that could help our communities move away from nonrenewable resources like coal and other fossil fuels. Idea for the Classroom Introduce students to the science behind solar cells and how they work.
Learn how utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants provide carbon-free electricity. A large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant may have hundreds of thousands or even millions of solar panels. Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems generate electricity using the sun’s heat.