WHAT IS SOLAR ENERGY?

Solar energy (SE) is being used more and more to replace traditional forms of energy. The sun burns hydrogen at its core, thus releasing huge amounts of energy. This energy radiates to the Earth in the form of heat and light. It is the sun’s radiation (rays) that reaches the Earth.
Technically most of the forms of energy we use today are indirectly derived form the sun. Even fossil fuels are the products of photosynthesis ancient plants used to grow and then became fossilized. The sun is the Earth’s most powerful source of energy… both directly and indirectly.
The invention and development of solar energy technologies used today began only about foty or fifty years ago.
Today more and more research is directed at finding efficient ways to use the SE to generate electricity, heat homes and buildings, for cooking, and to heat water and air.
As a result, we are now able to diversify our energy sources to include a variety of solar power systems to improve efficiency and save money on energy.
Solar power is now used for heating and cooling, air and water as well as to provide electricity. Research and development continues and it is anticipated that within the decade solar power will be more accessible to everyone.

How is it used?

There are several technologies in use to take advantage of SE. Concentrating solar power systems, passive solar heating and daylighting, photovoltaic systems and solar cells are just a few of the methods used to provide solar energy.
These active and passive solar systems are used for solar cooking, solar heating, and cooling, as well as several products that provide solar power for home and business use.
The advantages of using it are many. Even using a small solar energy panel for your home use can save you hundreds of dollars and help preserve our environment. It is almost certain that solar power is the choice of the future. Get involved today. Help promote solar energy.