What is solar energy? Why is it so important?
Solar Energy is the radiant energy that is produced from the sun, and it is RENEWABLE! Solar energy is sun's rays that reached the Earth. This energy can be converted into other forms of energy such as heat and electricity. (1) The sun's heat and light provide a rich source of energy that can be harnessed to provide clean energy that help meet our growing need of energy. (8) Sunlight can be turned into electricity by solar panels. (4) There is three main ways that we use the sun's energy:(4)
- Solar Cells
- Solar Water Heating
- Solar Furnaces (4)
Solar Energy is extremely important for us to survive. As well as, plant life and photosynthesis. Solar Energy is also important for the environment. Many people don't realize that solar energy helps greenhouses. In the winter time, normally, plants die out, so the sun energy heats up the inside of the greenhouse and "saves" the plants. (5)
This picture is trying to show how the sun's energy is being used. It is being reflected by:
- the atmosphere
- the clouds
- the earth's surface
- and is being absorbed by the land and oceans
This picture is from http://www.pre.ethz.ch/research/projects/?id=solarfuels.
