Solar Energy, What is it?

By Sherry Zwetsloot

Solar energy is the gathering and harnessing of light and heat from the sun using evolving technologies characterized as either passive or active solar, depending on the way the energy is captured, converted and distributed. Active solar techniques include photovoltaic panels. [1] The photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into electricity, and solar thermal collectors to harness the energy. Passive solar techniques include sighting and locating buildings facing the sun and selecting materials with favourable thermal mass and dispersing properties and designing open spaces for natural air circulation. The purpose of solar energy is to increase energy security through reliance on indigenous and inexhaustible resource, which will enhance sustainability, reduce pollution and lower the cost of mitigating climate change. Renewable energy is a growing demand and the dimension is dynamic. With a population projection of approximately ten billion people by 2050 [2][3] it is necessary to find an alternative solution to fossil fuels. Solar energy is the new paradigm and this natural source is a free survival common good, and it has become a most influential part of the world economy.

http://youtu.be/nr-grdspEWQ

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"Solar Energy Perspectives: Executive Summary" (PDF). International Energy Agency. 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-12-03. "World Population Prospects, the 2012 Revision "Low variant" and "High variant" values". UN. 2012. Retrieved June 15, 2013. "World population projected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050 UN report". UN News Centre. June 14, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2013.