Wikipedia states that "Solar energy technologies harness the sun's energy for practical ends. These technologies date from the time of the early Greeks, Indian, Native Americans and Chinese, who warmed their buildings by orienting them toward the sun. Modern solar technologies provide heating, lighting, electricity and even flight" In this article we will discuss how solar power works, the types of technologies available and where it is in use today.

Solar technology converts sunlight into electricity or mechanical power. Sun energy can heat your home, power your calculator and even fuel your car. In addition to the economic benefits, this technology is creating some of the cleanest power available. In this article, we'll show you how to tap into solar power generation to reduce your electricity costs and save the environment.

Some classifications of solar technology are active, passive, direct and indirect. Active solar power uses electrical and mechanical components such as tracking mechanisms, pumps and fans to process sunlight into usable sources such as heating, lighting or electricity. Passive solar systems use non-mechanical techniques of controlling, converting and distributing sunlight into usable sources. Direct solar generally refers to technologies or effects that involve a single conversion of sunlight which results in a usable form of energy. Indirect solar generally refers to technologies or effects that involves multiple transformations of sunlight which result in a usable form of energy.

Solar technology has impacted a number of common practical products. Residential solar products have proven themselves to be very reliable. A thermal mass is a body that absorbs and holds heat. In the context of solar energy, it is a mass designed to store heat during sunny periods and release heat when sunlight levels are reduced or unavailable. A properly sized thermal mass will smooth out temperature swings and help keep rooms at a comfortable temperature throughout the day and night. A number of|Many] homes use a solar water heater instead of oil or gas to heat water. The solar powered car is expected to be the next great advance in solar technology.

{The greatest benefit of solar technology is that it produces no emissions. Solar powered products have become so small and commonplace that consumers are using solar power without even realizing it. Some calculators are powered by a small solar cell instead of a battery. Many business and government buildings are incorporating solar panels into their design. Using renewable energy sources to power homes and businesses will soon become the norm. It is believed that within the next 25 years, most people will probably be using alternative energy sources to supply all of their power needs.

The greatest advantage of solar power is that the fuel is free and inexhaustible. The total amount of energy irradiated from the sun to the earth's surface is enough to provide more than 10,000 times the annual global energy consumption. However, governments across the world are overlooking this tremendous resource. It is up to the people to use solar technology and take the lead in saving our environment.

Tags: Heating, Insulation, Cooling