How is solar energy used

Solar space heaters harness sunlight and convert it into thermal energy with the use of liquid or air as a medium, while solar water heaters use water as a method for thermal transfer.

These solar heating systems can either be passive or active — while passive systems utilize natural circulation, active systems use pumps to circulate water and generate heat. Homeowners who install a thermal solar array on their roof can expect 5 to 10 percent returns with a system that costs a fraction of a full solar panel installation.

A major benefit of solar thermal technology is the ability to heat your pool at a more cost-effective rate than conventional alternatives such as oil and gas pumps. According to the U. At its simplest, the technology uses a solar collector that harnesses sunlight and converts it into heat. Water is then drawn through the collector as a means of heating the pool. This technology can also be used to cool the water at night typically necessary only in hotter climates.

While solar energy can be used to fly an aircraft and charge a battery, it can also be used to save homeowners thousands of dollars every year by cutting their energy use, carbon footprint and utility bills.

As you consider the various ways to go solar, make sure to first estimate your potential solar savings and see what a solar investment could do for your household finances. Your email address will not be published. Also visit our partners SolarReviews and Solar-Estimate. Learn more about solar technologies and their applications Explore. How solar is used Solar energy is a very flexible energy technology: it can be built as distributed generation located at or near the point of use or as a central-station, utility-scale solar power plant similar to traditional power plants.

Understand the policies that drive solar growth in the U. Tell Congress: Don't Miss This Moment As Congress debates a legislative package to invest in America's infrastructure and economic future, one thing is clear: clean energy policy must be included. Write your lawmakers today and urge them to pass the Build Back Better Act and infrastructure bills today. Act Now. Solar energy is a powerful source of energy that can be used to heat, cool, and light homes and businesses.

More energy from the sun falls on the earth in one hour than is used by everyone in the world in one year. A variety of technologies convert sunlight to usable energy for buildings.

The most commonly used solar technologies for homes and businesses are solar photovoltaics for electricity, passive solar design for space heating and cooling, and solar water heating.