Solar Power

Solar Energy is energy derived from the sun.  The sun provides almost all the heat and light Earth receives and therefore sustains every living being.  The ability to channel the sun’s energy into useable, reliable energy to generate electricity, provide hot water, and to heat, cool, and light buildings is one of the promising renewable sources explored.  The most common solar technologies produced and used today include photovoltaic cells, concentrating solar power systems, solar hot water systems, and passive solar building designs.

Photovoltaic (PV) Cells

Photovoltaic (PV) cells, also known as solar cells, produce electricity directly from sunlight. When a PV cell is exposed to the sun, the cell absorbs a portion of the light that strikes it to subsequently produce electricity.  Concentrating solar power systems use mirrors to focus incoming sunlight onto a receiver. Solar hot water systems are used to heat water for buildings and swimming pools.  Solar water heating systems for buildings typically include a solar collector, in which fluid is heated by the sun, and a storage tank, which holds the hot fluid after it has been heated by the collector.  Passive solar building design focuses on building orientation, types of construction materials, glass selection, and architectural features that affect the overall energy performance of a building.  For a passive solar building, designers consider these features early in the design process to take advantage of solar energy to heat and light a building.