Solar power is light or heat radiation collected from the sun's rays that is converted into electrical power. It is a renewable, clean, sustainable and alternative energy source. Solar power is also very versatile — it can be used to power private homes as easily as it can power satellites.
Solar power is harnessed through solar panels. which are made up of an array of photovoltaic cells constructed from semiconductor material. The two discrete layers inside these cells contain an imbalance of electrons and allow for the free movement of electrons. When sunlight strikes these cells, it knocks these electrons loose from their atoms. This allows them to flow as electricity into metal contacts. Solar power can also be harnessed by allowing sun rays to heat a wide range of materials that then transform it into energy.
Solar energy has been touted as a highly pragmatic energy source due to its environmental friendliness, renewable nature, and cost-cutting practices. Solar power neither polllutes nor uses natural resources. With storage batteries for nighttime and cloud cover, it is limitless in its availability. Over time, solar panels have decreased in price, and customers have reported dramatic decreases in electrical bills once they go solar. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
U.S. hits renewable energy record in 2012
July 30, 2013, 4:09 p.m. by Laura Poppick, LiveScience
With the government approval of fracking in many states, along with steady growth in wind and solar energy, 2012 saw the highest rate of alternative energy sources in the United States.
7 modern solar-powered vehicles
July 29, 2013, 5:01 p.m. by Bryan Nelson
Imagine never having to fill up your fuel tank again with these solar-powered vehicles.
Rodney Strong Vineyards protects the land and the water
July 25, 2013, 4:27 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
A look at a Rodney Strong wine bottle will give only a small picture of the eco-friendly initiatives this Sonoma County winery employs, but a visit to the winery gives our food blogger the big sustainable picture.
NPR talks tiny living with the Tacks [Video]
July 25, 2013, 8:50 a.m. by Matt Hickman
Chris and Malissa Tack chat with NPR's Science Friday about what was lost (7 carloads of stuff went to Goodwill) and what was gained (a sense of freedom) after moving into a tiny-house-on-wheels.
The best place for solar power is ... New Jersey?
July 24, 2013, 11:36 a.m. by John Platt
New study says it's not about the best light, but where solar and wind can do the most good.
The Golden Arrow resort in Lake Placid, N.Y., goes green
July 22, 2013, 11 a.m. by Shea Gunther
Read about all about the green happenin's at this resort hotel hugging Lake Placid's Mirror Lake.
Solar Decathlon China: Meet the teams
July 16, 2013, 5:30 p.m. by Matt Hickman
The Solar Decathlon China kicks off next month in the coal capital of Datong (talk about an apropos locale.) Here's a look at the 22 collegiate teams competing to build the ultimate solar-powered abode.
Across the U.S.A. in a solar plane
July 15, 2013, 2:38 p.m. by Jim Motavalli
Bertrand Picccard, best known for his round-the-world flight in a balloon, is now flying something new — a carbon-fiber airplane bristling with photovoltaic cells. It's got the wingspan of a 747 and the weight of a VW Bug.
What is an Earthship dwelling?
July 8, 2013, 2:53 p.m. by John Platt
These solar-powered homes are built entirely out of natural or recycled materials.
Solar plane makes dramatic early landing
July 7, 2013, 12:59 a.m. by Denise Chow, LiveScience
Due to a damaged left wing, the Solar Impulse made an early touchdown in New York's JFK Airport. Pilots were alerted to the technical problem by looking at photos taken of the plane mid-flight.
Clean energy options for houses
June 28, 2013, 12:16 p.m. by Networx Systems
If solar panels are out of your realm of possibility, you still have alternatives to coal and other fossil fuels.
Renewable energy entrepreneur Quayle Hodek talks about the disruptive power of small at TEDxMaui
June 28, 2013, 11:49 a.m. by Shea Gunther
Watch this wind energy CEO talk about the future of renewable energy and how small projects can be just as important as the big ones.
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