Solar energy is the light and heat that come from the sun. It is created by nuclear fusion that takes place in the suns core. Solar energy can be harnessed and converted into other forms of energy such as electricity, heat, or chemical energy. There are different ways of capturing solar radiation and converting it into usable energy. The methods use either active solar energy or passive solar energy. Some ways to harness solar energy include:
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Photovoltaic cells: These cells absorb light and convert it directly into electricity. A group of photovoltaic cells is known as a solar panel.
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Solar thermal technology: This technology uses heat from the sun to make hot water or steam.
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Passive solar heating: This technique takes advantage of the natural heating and cooling process of materials on Earth. For example, letting the sun shine through windows to heat the inside of a building.
Solar energy is considered a renewable resource because it is constantly replenished by the sun. It is also clean and does not emit greenhouse gases or toxic materials. The potential for solar energy is enormous, since about 200,000 times the worlds total daily electric-generating capacity is received by Earth every day in the form of solar energy. However, the high cost of its collection, conversion, and storage still limits its exploitation in many places.
