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What is solar energy and what are the benefits of solar power?

Solar energy is power from the sun's rays that reaches the earth. Using photovoltaic cells made from silicon alloys, sunlight can be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat and electricity. Steam generators using thermal collectors to heat a fluid, such as water, sometimes convert even higher amounts of solar energy into electricity. Volatile energy prices have fueled interest in alternatives such as solar energy. Using solar power can help alleviate capacity problems on local utility systems, especially during peak electricity demand periods. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by lowering the use of electricity generated by fossil fuel power plants. This article is about all uses of solar energy. For generation of electricity using solar energy, see solar power.

A parabolic dish and Sterling engine system, which concentrates sunlight to produce useful solar power. Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the Sun, has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation, along with secondary solar-powered resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for most of the available renewable energy on Earth  Only a minuscule fraction of the available solar energy is used. Solar powered electrical generation relies on heat engines and photovoltaic’s, Solar energy's uses are limited only by human ingenuity. A partial list of solar applications includes space heating and cooling through solar architecture, potable water via distillation and disinfection, day lighting, solar hot water, solar cooking, and high temperature process heat for industrial purposes. To harvest the solar energy, the most common way is to use solar panels, Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute solar energy. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors to harness the energy. Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.

We're glad you're interested in renewable energy! We do a lot of things at SEI...but we don't do homework. If you need more information than you find on this site, check out the following links, Kids Saving Energy  Information on solar, wind, geothermal, alternative fuels and energy efficiency. Lots of links, games and tips on saving energy at home, Energy Kids Fun facts and activities on all aspects of energy

Energy Quest - Exercises, games, puzzles, projects, activities and much more from the California Energy Commission. Also, be sure to check out our Useful Links page for links to many more sites on renewable energy.

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