| are some basic facts about solar energy that may | | | | operate your home. Solar energy can also be used to |
| inspire you to learn more about the many ways now | | | | heat water instead of using a traditional water heater. |
| available to use this clean renewable alternative in your | | | | Types of Solar Power |
| own daily life! | | | | There are two types of solar power that are used in |
| Solar Power - How it Works | | | | residential and commercial settings. These are known |
| Solar energy is a natural form of renewable power | | | | as passive and active solar. |
| that comes from the sun. The sun releases energy | | | | Passive solar is the raw energy that comes directly |
| naturally through both light rays and heat. Sunlight is a | | | | from the sun. It can be used in its natural state as light |
| renewable energy source because we will not run out | | | | and heat, and can be used to heat or cool a home. In |
| of solar energy like we will one day run out of the oil | | | | this state it is also used by plants for the process of |
| or coal that we are currently using as our main | | | | photosynthesis. Passive solar energy does not require |
| sources of energy. | | | | the use of mechanical devices to operate. |
| There are some challenges to using solar as a power | | | | Active solar is captured and stored energy which is |
| source. While it is plentiful, it is not consistent. You know | | | | generated through the use of solar cells and solar |
| for yourself that some days there is a lot of sun, but | | | | panels. This allows it to be used in many different |
| other days there is little sun. Although the sunlight itself | | | | applications. Active solar can operate generators, |
| is free, harnessing and storing solar power can be | | | | engines, panels, appliances and portable devices that |
| expensive. The good news is that it is getting cheaper | | | | are designed to use solar energy. Nowadays almost |
| and becoming more affordable for the average | | | | anyone can use solar power in some form, as solar |
| person to be able to use solar. | | | | technology is even being used to recharge batteries |
| How is Solar Power Used? | | | | and to power home appliances. |
| Energy from the sun has been used since the | | | | The Future of Solar Power |
| beginning of time by humans, animals and nature. Think | | | | Solar energy has been a rather slow growing power |
| about how we use the sun everyday. We use it as a | | | | source. This has mostly been due to the costs |
| light source and in the summer months, it serves as a | | | | associated with manufacturing the solar panels needed |
| heat source, too. Animals use it the same way. The | | | | to help make it useful in homes and businesses. The |
| sun provides plants with the energy necessary for | | | | good news is, costs are going down now and |
| them to grow and reproduce. The sun heats our | | | | technology is advancing to help make solar a more |
| oceans, rivers, lakes and streams, helps movement of | | | | viable and usable energy source. |
| wind. | | | | With the depletion of fossil fuels and other |
| Technology has now made it possible for us to use | | | | non-renewable energy sources, our world needs new |
| the energy of the sun in our own homes, both to | | | | options for sustainable and renewable energy. Solar |
| power appliances and gadgets, and also to serve as a | | | | energy is so plentiful, so powerful, and so useful that it |
| main power source. Solar panels capture the solar | | | | definitely has a place in the future to be one of our top |
| energy and store the energy so that it can be used to | | | | energy sources! |