What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is limitless and free

In its simplest form, solar energy is power from the sun – our nearest star.  Without the sun, we would have no life. Solar energy helps grow our food.  It warms the earth and oceans.  It helps us track and tell time.  It is free and abundant.  Perhaps most importantly, solar energy is clean.

But you already knew all that, if you are a regular reader of this blog.  Still, I’ll go through some of the basics for those who ponder the question, what is solar energy?

Solar energy comes in two primary forms, thermal (heat) energy, and light energy that can be converted to electricity through photovoltaic (PV) and other types of solar panels.  Thermal energy can be used to heat water, homes, pools and more with solar thermal panels.

You are probably most familiar with PV panels, normally seen on solar panel arrays, on top of highway signs, and even on houses or building rooftops.  PV panels convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) which is run through wiring to the source requiring power.  Excess energy is stored in batteries, or sold back into the grid.  Some gadgets include PV panels that provide solar recharging of batteries, whether for computers, cell phones, or flashlights.

On the other hand, solar thermal power is collected with specialized panels.  More primitive mechanisms use thermal power to cook food, or boil water with solar ovens or solar collectors.

Solar energy-powered home in the snow!

Each day, more solar energy hits the earth than all of its inhabitants could use in 27 years!  The Washington Post estimates that the solar energy sector is worth about $10 billion dollars (talk about economic stimulus potential!)  However, solar energy is currently only producing about 0.1% of the world’s electricity.

Solar electrical power generation is the simplest, most reliable and renewable form of alternative energy. One of the biggest, most persistent myths about solar energy is that it has to be bright and sunny for use of solar panels.  Not true at all!  Some of the most “solar” nations in the world are Germany and Japan.  Italy is increasing its solar capacity.  Further, technologies continue to advance to cut down on some previous limitations due to weather and location.

Other than concerns about solar panels’ efficiency, the next biggest hurdle for implementation of solar energy is likely cost.  A solar panel system for a single-family home may retail for $25-40,000.  But with tax credits and rebates, the return on investment is usually about 5-15 years.  This does not include the increased value of a building that is solar-powered, either.  Energy is free and maintenance costs are low.  You’ll be protected against utility rate increases and even enjoy the security of a power system that will not fail when the grid goes down.

It practically goes without saying that tapping into solar energy instead of polluting fossil-fuels will provide a brighter future for us.

You know the why.  Now, let’s focus on the how and when!

Tags: facts about solar energy, photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panels, what is solar energy