What is solar energy?

The definition of ‘solar energy’ is simple: solar energy is energy that is produced by the sun. 

There are some amazing solar energy facts about the sun. For example, the Lunar and Planetary Institute describes how in just one hour the sun produces enough energy to power 2,880 trillion light bulbs.

That’s like giving every single person on the planet (that’s 7 billion people) a light bulb which will shine bright for their entire lifetime!

Needless to say, the sun is incredibly powerful. The sun helps to regulate the earth’s climate, is the main source of energy for producers in our ecosystems and it keeps the oceans from freezing, along with providing light.

If just one of these factors changed dramatically, it would impact all life on Earth. Without the sun, the planet’s oceans would freeze, temperatures would drop and all life would die off without light or food.

Why Solar Energy is Important

The sun not only sustains life on earth, but its solar radiation can be converted into thermal and electrical energy for many different uses. This source of energy is a never ending supply of the cleanest energy source available to us.

Today’s technology has made it possible for us to harness the power of the sun and make it available for a variety of uses, including generating electricity for the everyday things you do at home.  

How we get Electricity From Solar Energy

Solar energy is emitted and captured by solar panels that convert the energy into usable electricity. This begins by installing a system of solar panels on the roof of your home or business. Installing solar panels and an appropriate system size for your home’s energy usage is the first step to taking advantage of solar energy.

How Solar Energy Works

Solar panels use photovoltaic technology to release electrons from the rest of the atom as it comes into contact with the panels. Electrons move around within the panel, which creates direct current (DC) electricity.

An attached inverter will then convert the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity. AC electricity is the same type of energy that you use on a daily basis.

To maintain the overall efficiency of your home or business, your solar panel system will communicate with your utility service through a special “net meter” to export surplus energy and import power when needed.

Renewable energy sources are the future of electricity and solar will continue to be at the forefront of this revolution because of the tremendous power and consistency of the sun’s influence on planet earth.

As a result, modern technology has dramatically brought down the cost of solar panels in the last decade. In addition to the incredible environmental benefits of a residential solar system, you can enjoy enormous financial savings on your electric utility bill. Join the revolution and go solar!