What is Solar Energy

Since before the age of the dinosaurs, the sun has provided light, heat, and energy used by plants and animals to survive. Without the sun, most life on the earth would cease to exist.

It is only natural to use the sun as a power source to help replace our reliance on fossil fuels.

Energy from the sun can be converted into solar power using devices called solar panels or collectors. These solar panels collect the sun's energy and converts it into electric or heat.

The most popular way to actively use solar energy is to convert the sun's energy into electricity by using solar panels containing solar or photovoltaic cells. These cells are generally made of silicon but new technologies are being developed using other materials.

The second way to use the sun's energy is thermal or heat applications. If your house gets southern exposure and those rooms get warm, then you are using thermal energy. But more active ways to use the sun's heat is to use solar panels filled with liquid or air to capture heat and use it within your house. Uses for this heat include hot water, home heating, cooking and even cooling your house.

If you want to learn more about solar energy, please go to these websites:

Wikipedia - Solar

Wikipedia - Solar Cell

Wikipedia - Solar Thermal Energy

Sun Exposure varies depending on where you live. This sun exposure map shows how much sun your area receives during the year.  You can find higher resolution solar maps at National Renewable Energy Laboratory - Solar Maps

Also check out the solar timeline from the Department of Energy.  It solar the history of solar energy.

Solar panels like these are used to collect the sun's energy and generate electricity. 

Calculate your electric usage if you convert to solar at National Renewable Energy Laboratory - PV Watts Calculator