Solar energy system information

What is solar energy?

Solar energy is the radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy received on Earth is vastly more than the world's current and anticipated energy requirements. If suitably harnessed, solar energy has the potential to satisfy all future energy needs.

How does solar work?

Solar projects are making it easier for Americans to choose solar energy to power their homes. Since 2008, hundreds of thousands of solar panels have popped up across the country as an increasing number of Americans choose to power their daily lives with the sun’s energy.

Where does solar power come from?

Any point where sunlight hits the Earth's surface has the potential to generate solar power. Solar power is renewable by nature. Sunlight is infinite, and enough solar radiation hits the planet's surface each hour to theoretically fill our global energy needs for nearly a year.

What are the different types of solar energy?

Solar energy is energy from the sun that we capture with various technologies, including solar panels. There are two main types of solar energy: photovoltaic (solar panels) and thermal. The “photovoltaic effect” is the mechanism by which solar panels harness the sun’s energy to generate electricity. What is solar energy?

What are the basics of solar energy technology?

Learn solar energy technology basics: solar radiation, photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP), grid integration, and soft costs.

How many kilowatts is a solar panel system?

Residential solar panel systems are generally between 5 and 20 kilowatts (kW), depending on the size of your home. Solar panels are the face of solar power, but solar thermal energy can actually be more efficient. This type of solar energy directly captures heat from solar radiation and uses it for several applications.