| Solar energy is a renewable, clean energy that has | | | | electric current. The current is then turned into |
| been around for thousands of years in one form or | | | | electricity. The problem with these cells, however, is |
| another. Following is an overview of solar | | | | they are only about 15 percent efficient.Solar energy |
| energy.Solar Energy OverviewSolar energy is all about | | | | is typically classified in two ways, passive solar and |
| harnessing the power of the sun to produce energy. | | | | active solar. Both approaches produce solar energy, |
| The sun rains enough solar energy on the Earth in | | | | but in very different waysPassive solar is exactly |
| one day to power the entire energy needs of the | | | | what it sounds like. It does not involve panel systems |
| world for one year. Solar energy is considered a | | | | or other moving mechanisms to produce solar |
| renewable energy source because it will exist for as | | | | energy. Instead, passive solar involves planning a |
| long as our sun does, estimated to be another 4.5 | | | | structure in such a way as to capture the power of |
| billion years. Solar energy is also considered a clean | | | | the sun with windows, tanks and so on. These |
| energy because it does not produce pollutants or | | | | systems can be used to heat homes, water and so |
| byproducts harmful to the environment.Solar energy | | | | on.Active solar energy systems typically involve some |
| was the first energy source used by mankind. Of | | | | form of solar panels. The panels are oriented to |
| course, the use was limited to drying things and | | | | maximize exposure to the sun. Depending on the |
| heating caused by direct contact, but it was a use. In | | | | system, the panels will then either directly convert |
| modern times, solar energy has been a power source | | | | sunlight to electricity, which is then transformed from |
| since the early 1950s, but was not widespread due | | | | direct current electricity to alternate current |
| to technological issues which rendered it an | | | | electricity and stored in batteries or fed into the grid |
| ineffective and expensive energy source. With | | | | system of the local utility. Active systems are more |
| technology advancements, solar energy is moving to | | | | expensive and complex.Solar energy has numerous |
| the forefront as a potential alternative to fossil | | | | advantages over other energy platforms. It is |
| fuels.The future is indeed bright for solar energy as | | | | produces no pollution, requires little maintenance and |
| new solar nanotechnology is close to creating solar | | | | comes with significant financial incentives in the form |
| platforms that boggle the mind. For instance, a few | | | | of tax deductions, tax credits and rebates from |
| companies are trying to create solar quantum dots, | | | | manufactures. In a majority of states, solar energy |
| which will be mixed in the paint you use for your | | | | can also be sold back to utilities per a concept known |
| home. Yes, you will actually paint on solar energy | | | | as net metering. This reduces the need for batteries |
| panels that will power your homeCurrently, solar | | | | and significantly cuts utility bills.Unfortunately, solar |
| energy is produced primarily through the use of solar | | | | energy has some disadvantages as well. The initial |
| cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. The process | | | | cost of purchase and installation can be expensive. |
| works by placing the cells in direct sunlight. Sun hits | | | | Second, areas with limited sunlight are problematic. |
| the cells causing a chemical reaction that creates an | | | | |