Solar Energy Facts
Solar Energy is better for the environment than traditional forms of energy
Solar energy has many uses such as electricity production and heating of water through photovoltaic cells and directly for drying clothes
Solar energy can also be used to heat swimming pools, power cars, for attic fans, calculators and other small appliances. It produces lighting for indoors or outdoors
You can even cook food with solar energy
Solar Energy is becoming more and more popular. The worldwide demand for Solar Energy is currently greater than supply.
A world record was set in 1990 when a solar powered aircraft flew 4060km across the USA, using no fuel.
Da Vinci predicted a solar industrialization as far back as 1447.
In one hour more sunlight falls on the earth than what is used by the entire population in one year.
Solar Energy Facts
Understanding Solar Energy
It's important to understand what solar energy is and what it is not, the historical context of solar energy around the world, and how we will get our solar energy in the future. You will find the most current solar energy facts here.
Solar Energy 101
Solar energy is any energy produced from the sun. Solar energy is one of the most popular forms of alternative energy because it is readily available each and every day.
There have been many advances in solar energy technologies that could put it in the number one spot as an alternative energy source.
Solar Energy 201
Solar energy is the radiant light and heat from the Sun that has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation along with secondary solar resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass account for most of the available renewable energy on Earth. Only a minuscule fraction of the available solar energy is used.
Solar power technologies provide electrical generation by means of heat engines or photovoltaics. Once converted its uses are only limited by human ingenuity. A partial list of solar applications includes space heating and cooling through solar architecture, potable water via distillation and disinfection, daylighting, hot water, thermal energy for cooking, and high temperature process heat for industrial purposes.