solar energy, definition of

Electromagnetic energy transmitted from the sun (solar radiation). The amount that reaches the earth is equal to one billionth of total solar energy generated, or the equivalent of about 420 trillion kilowatt-hours.

Solar energy is the major driver of Earth's environment. About one 1kw per hour per meter square makes it way to the ground. Changes in solar energy over extended periods contributes to environmental shifts (Ice Ages).

• How does solar power work?
  We explain how solar power works and how it can be used to provide clean renewable power.
• What is Climate?
  We ask: what is climate? and how we experience the climate effects how we think about it.
• Solar Energy - how you can use the Sun
  The Sun's Energy can be used in way different ways, we look at the various options available.
• Solar Power - the facts about setting up Solar Power
  Solar Power systems installed at the home or office can reduce environmental impact. How solar panel systems work is described and how you and the environment benefit.
• Ecologically Sustainable Development, what it is and how you can do it
  Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) is defined and explained in detail in this article; and how it helps you to be more green and eco friendly.
• Solar Water heating, how it works and the options available
  Solar hot water heating uses the sun to heat hot water. We explain what the hot water heating options are, their advantages and costs.
• What is Passive Solar?
  Passive solar building design is explained and how passive solar principals are used to design green homes and buildings, and save you money.
• Keeping your home Cool in Summer or Warm in Winter for free!
  How to keep cool or warm in your home by design, either in Summer or Winter, whilst reducing costs to you and the Earth..

• Solar Panels for your home, with the reduced feed-in tariff, are they a sound investment?
  We take a more detailed look at solar panels and help you work out if investing your money in solar is the right thing to do for you and the environment.
• Feed-in tariff for NSW reduced to 20c/kWh
  New South Wales has reviewed its feed-in tariff and reduced it to 20c/kWh, we look at what this means.
• energy efficient homes and energy saving
  Energy saving is something we all want to achieve at home through better efficiency. We look at the options available to you.
• Alternative Solar Energy
  Alternative Solar Energy - this phrase often creates images of hippies and flower power... We look at what it really means.

Related Tags: solar power, solar