The sun is going to be in the sky for as long as we can imagine. Without it there would not be life on Earth. Meaning we have a free energy source that never runs out or goes away. Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available, and the U.S. has some of the richest solar resources in the world.
Solar energy is a flexible energy technology: solar power plants can be built as distributed generation (located at or near the point of use) or as a central-station, utility-scale solar power plant (similar to traditional power plants). Some utility-scale solar plants can store the energy they produce for use after the sun sets. More energy from the sun falls on the earth in one hour than is used by everyone in the world in one year.
A variety of technologies convert sunlight to usable energy for buildings. The most commonly used solar technologies for homes and businesses are solar water heating, passive solar design for space heating and cooling, and solar photovoltaics for electricity.
Solar Photovoltaic Technology These technologies convert sunlight directly into electricity to power homes and businesses.
Concentrating Solar Power These technologies harness heat from the sun to provide electricity for large power stations.
Solar Process Heat These technologies use solar energy to heat or cool commercial and industrial buildings.
Passive Solar Technology From the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: these technologies harness heat from the sun to warm our homes and businesses in winter.
Solar Water Heating From the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: these technologies harness heat from the sun to provide hot water for homes and businesses.
Plants use the sun for energy, using photosynthesis. We use the sun for light and vitamin d. Every one and every thing uses the sun one way or another. Without it there would not be earth. Now we can use it for energy to power our world.
Solar energy is a flexible energy technology: solar power plants can be built as distributed generation (located at or near the point of use) or as a central-station, utility-scale solar power plant (similar to traditional power plants). Some utility-scale solar plants can store the energy they produce for use after the sun sets. More energy from the sun falls on the earth in one hour than is used by everyone in the world in one year.
A variety of technologies convert sunlight to usable energy for buildings. The most commonly used solar technologies for homes and businesses are solar water heating, passive solar design for space heating and cooling, and solar photovoltaics for electricity.
Solar Photovoltaic Technology These technologies convert sunlight directly into electricity to power homes and businesses.
Concentrating Solar Power These technologies harness heat from the sun to provide electricity for large power stations.
Solar Process Heat These technologies use solar energy to heat or cool commercial and industrial buildings.
Passive Solar Technology From the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: these technologies harness heat from the sun to warm our homes and businesses in winter.
Solar Water Heating From the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: these technologies harness heat from the sun to provide hot water for homes and businesses.
Plants use the sun for energy, using photosynthesis. We use the sun for light and vitamin d. Every one and every thing uses the sun one way or another. Without it there would not be earth. Now we can use it for energy to power our world.