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Solar Electric Sources

Solar energy, which is collected from the kinetic energy emitted by the sun, can be harnessed to make electricity that can power homes and offices. In 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that eight percent of the energy consumed by Americans was from renewable energy sources, with one percent being from solar power. It estimates that solar energy systems can meet all, or some, of a home's electrical needs, given optimal location and type of equipment used.

  1. Concentrating Solar Power

    • Concentrating solar power (CSP) technology is used for the generation of electricity via mirrors that reflect sunlight into receivers that collect the solar energy and convert it into thermal energy or heat. Several variations are in use, such as solar dish systems or linear concentrating systems. Energy harvesting fields are set up with rows and rows of collectors either of these systems. The more reflective surface area that there is, the more energy can be received, stored and converted into electricity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, one CSP plant has the ability to power 90,000 homes.

    Photovoltaics

    • Sometimes known as solar cells, photovoltaic cells convert light from the sun into electricity. The cells are used to power small devices, such as timepieces and calculators. Large groupings of cells, called modules, can generate enough electricity to power water pumps, home appliances and communications satellites. This technology works by absorbing the sun's electricity through semiconductor materials when the light is shining directly on it.

    Solar Water Heaters

    • A solar water heater uses the sun's light to heat water used in residences and commercial buildings. Typically, solar dishes or panels are placed on the roof of a building to heat water that then passes into insulated storage tanks. Solar water heaters that circulate the water using pumps are called active water heaters. Those that rely on gravity to circulate the water naturally are known as passive water heaters. Solar water heaters save money over the long run. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a solar water heater can result in a 50 percent to 80 percent decrease in your monthly water-heating bill, depending on location and type of equipment used.

    Thermal Storage Systems

    • Backup systems are required for solar electric sources on cloudy or rainy days that do not produce a lot of sunshine and light. Solar receivers can be designed to store unused thermal energy so that it can be converted into electricity at a later time. The heat transfer medium in these storage systems is typically either molten salt or oil.

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