Solar energy is energy from the sun that we capture with various technologies, including solar panels. There are two main types of solar energy: photovoltaic (solar panels) and thermal. The “photovoltaic effect” is the mechanism by which solar panels harness the sun’s energy to generate electricity. What is solar energy?
Solar energy is the radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy received on Earth is vastly more than the world's current and anticipated energy requirements. If suitably harnessed, solar energy has the potential to satisfy all future energy needs.
Solar power works by converting energy from the sun into power. There are two forms of energy generated from the sun for our use – electricity and heat. Both are generated through the use of solar panels, which range in size from residential rooftops to ‘solar farms’ stretching over acres of rural land. Is solar power a clean energy source?
Solar energy has long been used directly as a source of thermal energy. Beginning in the 20th century, technological advances have increased the number of uses and applications of the Sun’s thermal energy and opened the doors for the generation of solar power.
Solar energy is commonly used for solar water heaters and house heating. The heat from solar ponds enables the production of chemicals, food, textiles, warm greenhouses, swimming pools, and livestock buildings. Cooking and providing a power source for electronic devices can also be achieved by using solar energy. How is solar energy collected?
Photovoltaic solar energy is produced through solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. These cells are made of semiconductor materials such as silicon and are commonly used in solar panels. Photovoltaic solar panels can be installed on building roofs, on the ground, or in other places where they receive adequate sunlight.