There is a massive amount of information out there about solar energy. Our aim here is to explain in simple terms the main issues around solar power. We intend to de-mystify the solar facts and get you up to speed with the latest and greatest in renewable energy.
Solar power comes from the sun. This same energy that makes trees grow, warms the earth and illuminates the moon can be turned into electricity. This process is accomplished using solar panels or solar cells.
The advantage of sun energy is that it is a totally renewable resource. This means that there is absolutely no danger of running out of solar power in our lifetime. Every morning, the sun rises, and the earth receives an amazing amount of untapped energy.
Solar Energy, Facts, Figures and Stories
The main challenge is capturing this energy. Using Photovoltaic solar panels, the sunlight that strikes the panels is converted into electricity. The percentage of energy that is turned into electricity for your home is called the ‘efficiency’ of the solar panel. For instance, a solar panel with a 15% efficiency will turn 15% of the sun energy it receives into electricity.
Solar power is a rapidly growing market attracting huge investment. Last year it experienced a 30% growth. Since the 1960′s approximately 100,000 solar panels have been installed in the USA alone.
Already other mainstream sources of energy like oil have become increasingly more scarce, causing energy prices to rise. This makes solar energy a very attractive energy source for both today and the future.
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