What is Solar Energy?
Solar Energy Basics – Passive Solar – Photovoltaic
Solar Cooking – Solar Sails – Solar Radiation – Solar Thermal – Geothermal
Videos: Geothermal – Photovoltaic – Solar Energy – Solar Thermal
Quick Facts about Solar Energy
- “Solar” is the Latin word for “sun.”
- The sun provides energy in two forms – light and heat. The sun can be used to heat water in our homes and businesses. It can also produce electricity. Energy produced by the sun is called solar power.
- Since the beginning of mankind we have used the energy of the sun to dry clothes and food, but it wasn’t until 1954 that scientists in the United States worked out a way to use the sun to create electricity.
- Sunlight that shines on the Earth in just one hour could meet world energy demand for an entire year!
- Various types of solar thermal devices are now available in the country these includes solar water heaters, solar cookers, solar stills, solar dryers etc. apart from these devices, solar energy is also being used particularly in the colder areas of the country for space heating by including solar passive features in the buildings; and for agriculture by utilizing solar greenhouses.
- In the 1830s, explorer John Herschel used a solar collector to cook food during an adventure in Africa.
Links for teachers and parents:
- Solar Energy Technologies Program by the U.S. Department of Energy
- Solar Power Basics by the Solar Electric Power Association
- Energy Conservation lesson plans
- More resources for teachers and parents
Industry Associations
American Solar Energy Society (ASES)
Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
Data Sources & References
EERE State Incentives & Partnerships
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
Renewable Energy Resource Data Center – Get Solar Maps and GIS Data
Solar power: Solar power, but what is solar power? and how will you make the best use of it? well, the answer to this is very….
The Solar Guide: This website that makes solar energy accessible and understandable to you. The Solar Guide aims to give consumers the practical information they want, about buying solar and renewable energy systems.
Solar Panels for Homes
Provides the resources you need when considering a residential solar photovoltaic system. We provide information on how to perform a site evaluation, compare the different solar technologies available, and keep you informed of the latest trends in the industry.
U.S. Government Programs & Resources
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
DOE’s Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
Million Solar Roofs Initiative
U.S. Products and/or Services
Creative Energies A Renewable Energy Company: Wyoming’s full-service renewable energy company featuring solar, wind, and water solutions for business and residential customers.
Bright Green Energy: Source for Solar and Photovoltaic Panels, Wind Turbines, Rutland wind chargers, Aerogen wind generators, Batteries, Inverters and other solar powered products.
US Solar Signs: Manufacturer of solar powered signs for real estate, business and commercial applications. Patented design. No electrical wiring or maintenance is required. Battery-operated signs are recharged daily with solar energy. Signs can be customized to meet your application.
NEW Powerenz: Portable Solar Power Units- Ultra-Lightweight Portable Solar Power Units that can be custom made for any application.