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