The concept of solar energy is fairly simple and the energy generated from the sun can be applied in many different situations. Here are a few of the principal benefits of incorporating solar energy into your everyday life.

What Is Solar Energy?

First off, it's important to know what exactly solar energy is. It is obtained from electromagnetic radiation from the sun, using special panels to capture this energy and convert it to current. It is a source of renewable and clean energy and represents an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

How Can It Be Used?

Solar energy can be used just like electricity generated with fossil fuels. You can use it for indoor or outdoor lighting, to power appliances and televisions, or even pool pumps. It is also used to power traffic lights, street lights, barn lighting, and more. You can also use it to heat water for the shower or pool or to run warm water through radiant heating tubes under the floor.

What Are the Advantages of Solar Energy?

One of the principal advantages of solar energy is that it is clean, meaning that it comes from renewable sources and is created with zero emissions. If you are considering implementing solar energy at home you are making an important decision that will impact your life in positive ways. Here are just a few of the remarkable benefits of solar energy:

• Low-cost. Solar energy can significantly reduce your monthly electric bill. After the initial investment of purchasing and installing the solar panel system, the maintenance is cheaper compared to normal electricity.

• Friendly for the environment. Solar energy is eco-friendly. It doesn't pollute the air or water, and has zero carbon emissions.

• Availability. The sun shines everywhere. While there may be more or less hours of sunshine in different parts of the world, there is always some possibility of solar energy production.

• Shareable. Many cities will pay you for the kilowatts of energy that you produce and send back to the electric company.

• Affordability. There are different prices and qualities of solar panels, which means that you can opt for the best option according to your budget. In the long run, the price of a solar energy system will be less expensive than paying your electric bill. Most solar panels have a lifetime guarantee of 20 years or more.

• Maintenance is cheap. Keeping the solar panel usable is inexpensive. You will need to do a cleaning and angle adjustments once a year, and that is pretty much it.

• Reach remote areas. Solar panels can be installed in places where traditional electricity systems don't reach, providing electric energy to small, rural towns or homes.

What Are the Three Main Types of Sources of Solar Energy?

Solar energy can be classified in three ways: photovoltaic, thermic, and passive.

Photovoltaic energy is when light is captured and turned into electricity using photovoltaic solar panels. These panels are formed by groups of cells that transform light (photons) into electricity (electrons). One of the principal daily uses of this energy is for lighting needs, though depending on the number of solar panels installed, it can also power the fridge, stove, washer and dryer, etc.

Thermic solar energy takes the sun's energy to produce heat. It is used as a source of energy for houses and also industries. It turns this energy into mechanical energy and then electricity. Solar heat is collected through the use of mirrors. The sunbeams are concentrated on a receptor and heat up a special fluid that generates vapor and moves turbines to produce electricity.

Passive Solar Energy is different from photovoltaic and thermal energy. These are both considered active solar energy, while passive solar energy doesn't need any sort of machine or special technology to use. It is an ancient method that involves building a structure to take advantage of the sun to heat it in winter. This is called bioclimatic architecture. Certain things have to be taken into consideration for this to work:

• Suitable location of the house

• Orientation of the house

• Proper insulation

• Type of roof on the house

• Location of windows and porches

• Materials used to build the house