What Is Solar Energy?

Solar energy technologies produce electricity from the energy of the sun. Small solar energy systems can provide electricity for homes, businesses, and remote power needs. Larger solar energy systems provide more electricity for contribution to the electric power system.

Concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies use mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto receivers that collect solar energy and convert it to heat. This thermal energy can then be used to produce electricity via a steam turbine or heat engine that drives a generator.

Concentrating solar power offers a utility-scale, firm, dispatchable renewable energy option that can help meet our nation's demand for electricity. CSP plants produce power by first using mirrors to focus sunlight to heat a working fluid. Ultimately, this high-temperature fluid is used to spin a turbine or power an engine that drives a generator. The final product is electricity.

The simplest explanation of solar energy is the ability to capture the heat generated by the sun's rays, converting to electricity, and using it to power any type of motor, whether it be in your home or in a commercial building.

The energy is concentrated using large mirrors or solar photovoltaic (PV) cells.  These are what you see on the roof of a house.

Solar radiation, often called the solar resource, is a general term for the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. Solar radiation can be captured and turned into useful forms of energy, such as heat and electricity, using a variety of technologies. However, the technical feasibility and economical operation of these technologies at a specific location depends on the available solar resource.

Looking for passive solar home designs and low utility bills?

Are you building a home and looking for a custom, passive solar house plan?  Visit my home deisgn site at www.rye-homes.com for more information.