| > | | | | harmful byproducts, whatsoever. It can be used |
| Learn the basic facts about solar energy. | | | | successfully and cost-effectively in just about any |
| A summary of basic technical facts about solar | | | | location on the planet. You do not need to live in a |
| energy. | | | | tropical or desert climate in order to benefit from its |
| * A photovoltaic module or solar panel is made up of | | | | use. It has been used successfully in many cold |
| about 40 photovoltaic cells. | | | | climates, and even in the polar regions. |
| * "Photovoltaic module" and "photovoltaic cell" are the | | | | * Every area of the United States of America |
| technical terms for "solar panel" and "solar cell." | | | | receives enough sunlight to benefit from and make |
| * When a photovoltaic module is used to charge | | | | use of solar technology. |
| batteries it is commonly referred to as a "solar battery | | | | * Currently, the cheapest and most effective way of |
| charger." | | | | using solar power in your home is through the use of |
| * Several photovoltaic modules or panels arranged | | | | solar hot water heating systems. In fact, these |
| alongside each other are referred to as a "photovoltaic | | | | systems have been commercially available in the |
| array" or a "solar array." The usual setup for a system | | | | United States for over a 100 years. |
| in the home consists of an array consisting of ten to | | | | * The sun's energy can be used for heating homes |
| twelve panels or photovoltaic modules. | | | | effectively in cold climates, as well as in warm |
| * The color of the panels varies, depending on what | | | | climates. In fact, this form of heating has been in use |
| material is used to make the cells inside the panel. | | | | many cold-climate northern European countries for |
| * Energy from the sun can be collected by hybrid | | | | several decades now. |
| chargers and used to recharge batteries, or to | | | | * Solar energy technology has advanced far enough |
| recharge cell phones and other gadgets directly. | | | | that it can be a viable and cost-effective replacement |
| Environmental Facts: | | | | for regular grid-electricity. Its popularity is rapidly |
| * All life on earth is dependent upon solar energy. In | | | | increasing - so much so that the demand for |
| fact, without it, there would be no life at all. Even the | | | | solar-powered gadgets is currently greater than the |
| lowest life forms on Earth, such as plankton and | | | | supply. |
| microbes, need energy in the form of sunlight in order | | | | There is no shortage of energy on Earth and no need |
| to survive. | | | | to use damaging fossil fuels. It is simply a matter of |
| * Solar power is completely environmental friendly, | | | | utilizing and advancing alternative energy technologies |
| producing absolutely no carbon emissions or other | | | | for a cleaner future. |