Light emitted from the sun can be used in a variety of different ways to produce usable energy. A few options include:
- Passive solar energy: taking advantage of the heat displaced by the sun to help regulate home temperature
- Thermal solar collectors: with the use of mirrors, the suns energy can be intensified and used to heat water or air
- Through the use of photovoltaic panels, the light emitted by the sun can be turned into electricity
Passive Solar Power: this simply refers to taking advantage of and controlling the heat and light displaced by the sun. When done properly and effectively, this can have a great impact on your monthly utility bills. Some easy things that can be done to ensure your home makes the most of the passive power of the sun:
- Insulation! This is probably the most important step in taking advantage of passive solar energy. Make sure that your walls, ceilings, and floors are appropriately insulated. Also check around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Proper insulation in a house should result in an inside temperature that stays relatively constant
- Another effective technique for keeping warm air in or cold air out is using curtains. Similarly, window shutters or clear insulating strips can also do a good job at regulating inside temperatures.
- Vegetation placed strategically around the home can also greatly effect the inside temperature of the house. For example, plants located near windows and doors can absorb a great deal of summer heat, in addition to providing fresh air.
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!).
A thermal collector is a device that features an array of dark metal plates, covered in a sheet of glass. The sun warms these metal plates, which absorb the heat and transfer it to a substance, for example water or air. This heated substance can now be used immediately, or stored in a well insulated container for later use.
The Basic Explanation of Light for Electricity: the lights energy is captured by photovoltaic panels, and is then converted to electricity by the said panels. As soon as the suns rays are turned to electricity, it can be used just as we normally use grid supplied electric.
About the author: Miles Novak is an experienced writer in the field of home energy. Check out his site for more info on Do it Yourself products and Home Energy Solutions.






