What is Solar Energy?
The radiation from the sun gives our planet heat and light. All living things need energy from the sun to survive. • More energy from sunlight strikes the earth in one hour (4.3 x 1020 J) than all the energy consumed on the planet in one year (4.1 x 1020 J).* • However, solar electricity currently provides just one millionth of our total electricity supply*, meaning that the potential for exploring solar electricity is huge.
Nature of Solar Energy
Solar energy is available as long as the sun shines, but its intensity depends on weather conditions and geographic location. Solar energy travels in straight lines and can be blocked by objects such as clouds.
Applications of Solar Energy
From pocket calculators to multi-storey buildings with photovoltaic panels, solar power has been widely used in our daily lives for decades. This unique and abundant resource can be utilized even in the most remote territories to generate electricity, as long as there is plenty of sunshine.
