How Does Solar Energy Work?
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA 
on 03.27.08
Photo credit: Getty Images
For as long as our planet has spun 'round the sun, there's been solar energy cascading down on the earth, and, for a long time -- since the 7th century B.C., when glass was used to magnify it -- humans have been working to harness it. These days, technology is a bit better, providing electricity, heating, lighting, and even flight, but the point is the same: use the sun's warm glowing warming glow for our benefit.
Solar energy vs. solar power: what's the difference?
Often used synonymously with solar energy, solar power is what you've got once the sun's energy has been converted to electricity. This can be done one of two ways: heating a liquid to produce steam and spin a generator, or through photovoltaics (but that's another post). For now, we'll concentrate on how to use the massive and largely untapped potential that exists with solar energy. But first, some basics.
Photo credit: Getty Images
What is solar energy?
Short answer: the light and heat provided by the sun. A slightly longer answer: after running the gauntlet from an average of 93 million miles away, through the various layers of atmosphere and atmospheric conditions (clouds, pollutants, dust and the like), about half of the solar energy is absorbed by water and land, with the other half reflected and re-radiated back into space. The half that makes it is absorbed by oceans, land masses and plants; in the ocean, the energy drives heat and wind-driven currents (like the Gulf Stream); on land, the energy is absorbed and creates heat, and the little bit that's left is absorbed by plants and converted to chemical energy through a process we all know as photosynthesis.
Keep reading to learn how solar energy works.
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just hope eclipse won't occur everyday !
Terrific intro!
Google Answers put together an excellent resource for anyone looking for funding for solar energy projects, or for biofuels, wind power, or other forms of alternative energy:
Sources of funding for Solar Energy Projects
Worth a look!
well thank you David
I'm doing a project for my world history class,
and I need as much eco-friendly information as I can get, mainly focused on go green movements in Europe.
If you can help, please do.
I need this information before this Friday, May 16th.
this helped me with my tech project for school@ :)
Thanks for the article. I agree with the disadvantages you mention, and I think the more awareness we can raise through articles and postings like this, the more people will become interested. The more interest that is raised the more people will purchase which will make it more affordable. So let's keep talking about it!
Great help for my project. Thanks! Also, nice introduction.
Hey i wanted to thank you for this facts. it really helped me on my Science Project for solar energy :)
Interesting article. I think you've highlighted some issues with regards to the difficulites of utilising solar power, however there are things that can be done to assist this.
Even if you live in an area without constant sunlight, you can store solar power for usage at other times (although, as you have indicated, this isn't particularly efficient).
One thing that people seem to forget when they look to power their home using solar energy, for example, is that they don't have to continue to use the same high levels of electricity they were used to using.
A more intelligent use of the energy that they generate can save a lot more power than people think. Using renewable energy sources is as much about an holistic approach than just doing one thing.
Thanks again for the article.
yeah, because an eclipse occurs every day.
youre smart.
NOT.
Great article. Having never heard of zettajoules before, I am amazed to read the figures.
Funny how everything boils down to cost in the end yet we spend billions (if not trillions) fighting each other!
Maybe we will begin to change our attitude as fossil fuels completely run out and we are faced with having to change our mindset.
I recently flew over Spain and noticed there were at least 300+ wind turbines perched at the top of a small mountian outcrop - it looked amazing! Small start I know, but it felt somewhat calming to see that something was being done.
Go solar power! Feel the energy of of the sun!
What a interesting article and really handy. Please let us all take up the power of the sun and do something with it! Solar Power is off course here to stay and will be much better for the environment..
The down thing about Solar Power is that it is still quite expensive but governments are giving rebates so that's a good sign!
Keep up the good work..
Hi,
That as a great info. You're right many people are misunderstand about solar energy and solar power. they thought it was the same.
However,about the disadvantage that you mention, about the cost of solar panel, I think many company are trying very hard to decrease the price. someone state that first solar has reduce manufacturing cost for solar panels below the $1 per watt.
here the rest of articles.
http://www.gizmag.com/solar-panel-1-per-watt-grid-parity/11143/
Thanks
Hi,
Would you help spread the word about SolarDay 2009 - we're hoping the first day of summer June 21st will become a reminder to explore alternative sources and educate people on resources available for solar energy.
Thanks!
Alex
http://www.solarday.com