What Is Solar Energy?

(photo: NASA) What is solar energy, you ask? Simply, it is energy provided from the sun.

Our big friendly giant up there.

Solar power is everywhere.

Good to see you back to discuss the source of most energy on Earth: Solar energy. Elsewhere I tell you about how solar energy works.

Here I discuss what it is. Let’s get on with it…

By the way, if you want to get on with it by doing it yourself, some information is available about DIY solar energy here.

Or, if you're in a hurry to make a start now: Check out the Alternative Energy Store, they have free educational information on renewable energy systems for your home and great prices on solar panels and wind turbines for your home.

Energy from the sun is present in fossil fuels, stored in fossilised plant remains that once grew and absorbed the sun’s energy through photosynthesis. It is also directly experienced in the warmth of the sun and in its light.

CAN YOU HELP ME TO HELP YOU? Governments are now offering various rebates and tax incentives on all kinds of renewable energy alternatives. Solar power and heating are in line for serious subsidies to Australian home-owners after the election. I am interested to know how consumers are going to choose among many systems on offer. What is the best on offer for your situation? What are the questions you would want the answers to before you invest in solar power or solar hot water? Please click here to tell me and I'll go get the answers.Thank you!

In summary, what is solar energy? It is Energy from the sun Thermal energy Electric energy Stand-alone Grid connected

Thermal Energy

Thermal solar energy can be used to generate electricity and heat water. There are various technologies to achieve that, including solar hot water generators on domestic roof tops.

DIY solar heating for instance is getting quite popular. With solar pool heaters a favorite as they allow extended use of swimming pools and outdoor spas into evenings and colder months.

A rather spectacular commercial application of solar heating is the solar tower.

A solar tower is a large solar chimney through which heated air rises and so drives the wind turbines that generate electricity. The air is first heated under a large glasshouse, between 2 and 36 kilometres (yes!) in diameter. There is a proposal for such a large solar tower in the centre of Australia. A small research facility in Spain delivers about 50 KW of power per year in this way.

Water can be heated actively or passively.

• Passive heating occurs simply when water, preheated by the sun, is used by a conventional water heater
• Active heating occurs when a heating element inside a solar hot water system heats the water on sunny days.

Electric Energy

Photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar cells, are used to capture the sun’s energy and convert it into direct current electricity. This can be used in this form or be converted into alternating current, which is like the electricity that is available from the grid. Of course its purposes are as many as they are for electricity, for lighting, or to run your computer.

Electric energy can be used in several ways, stand-alone or grid connected.

And if you want to know more about PV solar energy, what it is, how it works, take a look here.

Stand-alone
As the term suggests, the stand-alone application is not connected to an energy grid. It involves a solar panel or panels, directly connected to the appliance requiring energy. It is used in solar water heating everywhere and is particularly useful in remote areas where there is no power grid. Excess solar energy can be stored in batteries for use at night or other low-sunshine times.

OK, we're almost there now but I have not yet fully answered your question: What is solar energy?

Grid connected
Solar power, including wind-, biomass and hydropower, is fed into the grid, which is also supplied by fossil-fuel electricity generators. The more customers use such accredited ‘green power’ supplies the more energy will be fed into the power grid that comes from clean, renewable sources.

Of course there are many situations where a "stand-alone" solar appliance is supported by power from the grid, whether wholly, or partially powered by renewable sources. It is a matter of doing the best you can in reducing the use of fossil fuels. And if you wonder where you might get some assistance paying for these appliances go here.

Find more facts about solar energy here. Keep in touch with what goes on in the area of alternate energy sources or what is solar energy by subscribing to my AES Newsletter or to my RSS feed (see orange button in left margin).

Additionally, if you want to read more about renewable energy, alternative fuel vehicles and alternate energy technologies you may also be interested in Home Power magazine, which is the Hands-on Journal of Home-Made Power in keeping up-to-date.

What is solar energy really?

Do what you can today to live smartly. You already know what to do. Be generous like the sun in your relationships with others, with yourself and with your environment.

Next time anyone asks you what is solar energy, you can answer them by the warmth of your smile and by your actions.

Now come along to another page for some more great information on alternate energy sources. All this, just through asking what is solar energy!