Solar Energy Basics
The sun's heat and light provide a renewable source of energy that can be harnessed in many different ways.
Understanding the solar energy basics can help the consumer make an informed decision when purchasing solar powered
products such as solar panels or solar water heaters.
If you are interested in learning about what is solar energy? and the potential amount
of energy that is available to use from the sun.
Solar energy history provides a brief insight into the use of solar energy throughout the ages and the
development of photovoltaic (PV) panels.
Solar energy can be converted into usable forms of energy either thermally or through the use of photovoltaics.
If you are interested in how each of these technologies work please read how does solar energy work? for more
information.
The advantages of solar power are numerous but there are also some disadvantages when adopting this relatively
new technology.
Solar electric panels commonly called PV (photovoltaic) panels convert solar radiation directly into electricity
which can then be stored in batteries or fed into the public electricity grid. This article describes the different
type of panels currently on the market.
Using solar heating systems to provide solar hot water or for space heating is one of the most cost effective
ways to reduce your carbon footprint. This article discusses the different types of solar thermal systems
available.
Additional Resources
- Advantages of Solar Power
The advantages of solar power for electrical generation or for producing heat has many benefits over the use of conventional sources of energy such as coal, oil or natural gas.
- What is Solar Energy?
What is solar energy and how can it be used?
- How Does Solar Energy Work?
How does solar energy work? Solar energy can be converted into usable forms of energy either thermally or photovoltaically.
- Solar Energy History
Solar energy history stretches back to ancient times where houses were built to passively capture the sun's heat and light. However, it wasn't until the early 1800's that people began developing...
- Solar Electric Panels (PV Panels)
Solar electric panels commonly called PV (photovoltaic) panels convert solar radiation directly into electricity
- Solar Heating Systems
Using solar heating systems to provide solar hot water or for space heating is one of the most cost effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint
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