How Solar Energy Works. Contents1. The Solar Resource2. Passive Solar Design for Buildings3. Solar Heat Collectors4. Solar Thermal Concentrating Systems5. Photovoltaics6. The Future of Solar Energy Solar energy—power from the sun—is a vast and inexhaustible resource. In the broadest sense, solar energy supports all life on Earth and is the basis for almost every form of energy we use.
The Solar Resource The amount of energy from the sun that falls on Earth's surface is enormous. U.S. Passive Solar Design for Buildings One simple, obvious use of the sun is to light and heat our buildings. Solar Heat Collectors Besides using design features to maximize their use of the sun, some buildings have systems that actively gather and store solar energy.
Oddly enough, solar heat can also power a cooling system. According to the U.S. For more information about solar water heating for homes and swimming pools from UCS, click here. Solar Thermal Concentrating Systems Parabolic trough concentrators. Photovoltaics Endnotes: Greenpeace International. Sierra Club Green Home. Alliance for Climate Protection: Agenda 21. Sustainable Development.