Definition What Is Solar Energy

Using solar energy can drastically reduce the impact we have on the environment.

Definition what is solar energy. Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the sun that is harnessed using a range of ever evolving technologies such as solar heating photovoltaics solar thermal energy solar architecture molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis. It also does not emit greenhouse gases or toxic materials. Solar energy is used on earth in various ways. Solar energy is clean.

Wind is always there and heat from below earth s surface geothermal energy is continuous. Solar energy wind energy and geothermal energy for example have renewable sources of energy in a human timescale. After the solar technology equipment is constructed and put in place solar energy does not need fuel to work. It is used as a passive source of energy for example in the form of sunlight that comes through a window and heats up a room or as an active source as in the conversion of sunlight to electrical energy in solar cells.

Energy derived from the sun s radiation. There are locations where solar energy is practical. Passive solar energy does not require any specific action or equipment. One example of active solar energy is the use of solar cells to convert energy from the sun into electrical energy that can be used in the home.

Active solar energy involves equipment or an action to convert solar energy into a useful form. Solar energy radiation from the sun capable of producing heat causing chemical reactions or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy incident on earth is vastly in excess of the world s energy requirements and could satisfy all future energy needs if suitably harnessed.