Over the course of a day, the sun emits huge amounts of potential energy in form of light and heat. This energy can be harnessed in a few different ways, including:

- Passive solar energy: taking advantage of the heat displaced by the sun to help regulate home temperature

- By using mirrors and thermal solar collectors, it is possible to magnify the heat energy of the sun and apply it to different substances, including water

- Through the use of photovoltaic panels, the light emitted by the sun can be turned into electricity

Simply taking advantage of or controlling the heat given off by the sun is known as Passive Solar Power. Although most of these techniques are relatively straight forward, they can have a substantial impact on monthly utility bills. Some easy things that can be done around the house include:

- The most important step in taking advantage of the suns heat is to have a well insulated home. Ensuring that walls, ceilings, and floors are adequately insulated can have a tremendous effect on maintaining a constant home temperature. Also check for insulation in spots such as around windows, doors, and electrical outlets.

- Along the lines of insulation, curtains can have a strong impact on maintaining a consistent home temperature. Shutters and clear insulating window covers can also play a role in keeping warm air in or cold air out.

- Something most people do not realize is that plants can play a strong role in determining the temperature of a house. In addition to providing fresh air, plants placed effectively around windows and doorways can function as a sort of heat barrier, keeping a house cool in the summer.

Solar Power to Heat Water: since the sun is the hottest thing around, it makes sense to use its tremendous temperature output to heat your home. By concentrating this heat output, one can easily warm water or a space (temperatures can reach up to boiling point!).

With the help of a device known as a thermal collector, it is possible to use the suns high temperature output to heat water or air. A thermal collector essentially houses metal plates covered by a sheet of glass. The warmth is absorbed by these plates and then transferred to the substance that needs to be heated. This substance can then be collected in a well insulated storage tank or used immediately.

Finally, light emitted from the sun can be captured and converted to electricity. Basically, this is achieved through a reaction that happens within the photovoltaic panels which results in charged electrons creating an electric current. This can then be stored in a battery or used directly.

About the author: Miles Novak is an experienced writer in the field of home energy. Visit his webpage for a guide to Do it Yourself products and Home Energy Solutions.