| Solar energy is a renewable, clean energy that has | | | | energy, but in very different ways |
| been around for thousands of years in one form or | | | | Passive solar is exactly what it sounds like. It does not |
| another. Following is an overview of solar energy. | | | | involve panel systems or other moving mechanisms to |
| Solar Energy Overview | | | | produce solar energy. Instead, passive solar involves |
| Solar energy is all about harnessing the power of the | | | | planning a structure in such a way as to capture the |
| sun to produce energy. The sun rains enough solar | | | | power of the sun with windows, tanks and so on. |
| energy on the Earth in one day to power the entire | | | | These systems can be used to heat homes, water |
| energy needs of the world for one year. Solar energy | | | | and so on. |
| is considered a renewable energy source because it | | | | Active solar energy systems typically involve some |
| will exist for as long as our sun does, estimated to be | | | | form of solar panels. The panels are oriented to |
| another 4.5 billion years. Solar energy is also | | | | maximize exposure to the sun. Depending on the |
| considered a clean energy because it does not | | | | system, the panels will then either directly convert |
| produce pollutants or byproducts harmful to the | | | | sunlight to electricity, which is then transformed from |
| environment. | | | | direct current electricity to alternate current electricity |
| Solar energy was the first energy source used by | | | | and stored in batteries or fed into the grid system of |
| mankind. Of course, the use was limited to drying | | | | the local utility. Active systems are more expensive |
| things and heating caused by direct contact, but it was | | | | and complex. |
| a use. In modern times, solar energy has been a | | | | Solar energy has numerous advantages over other |
| power source since the early 1950s, but was not | | | | energy platforms. It is produces no pollution, requires |
| widespread due to technological issues which | | | | little maintenance and comes with significant financial |
| rendered it an ineffective and expensive energy | | | | incentives in the form of tax deductions, tax credits |
| source. With technology advancements, solar energy | | | | and rebates from manufactures. In a majority of |
| is moving to the forefront as a potential alternative to | | | | states, solar energy can also be sold back to utilities |
| fossil fuels. | | | | per a concept known as net metering. This reduces |
| The future is indeed bright for solar energy as new | | | | the need for batteries and significantly cuts utility bills. |
| solar nanotechnology is close to creating solar | | | | Unfortunately, solar energy has some disadvantages |
| platforms that boggle the mind. For instance, a few | | | | as well. The initial cost of purchase and installation can |
| companies are trying to create solar quantum dots, | | | | be expensive. Second, areas with limited sunlight are |
| which will be mixed in the paint you use for your home. | | | | problematic. Third, solar energy obviously can't be |
| Yes, you will actually paint on solar energy panels that | | | | produced at night. Despite these disadvantages, solar |
| will power your home | | | | energy is a booming energy platform. |
| Currently, solar energy is produced primarily through | | | | The largest producers of solar energy in the world are |
| the use of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. | | | | Germany, Japan and the United States. California has |
| The process works by placing the cells in direct | | | | recently introduces a solar initiative devoting over three |
| sunlight. Sun hits the cells causing a chemical reaction | | | | billion dollars to promoting solar energy use by |
| that creates an electric current. The current is then | | | | residents in the state. As this overview demonstrates, |
| turned into electricity. The problem with these cells, | | | | the solar energy platform is coming on strong. |
| however, is they are only about 15 percent efficient. | | | | Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a directory of |
| Solar energy is typically classified in two ways, passive | | | | solar energy companies. Visit us to read more articles |
| solar and active solar. Both approaches produce solar | | | | on solar power and solar energy facts. |