Solar energy, solar power derived from the sun through the use of solar panels, is just one of the newest initiatives the “Going Green” movement has presented to us, in an effort to build and maintain renewable and sustainable power sources.

Fact 1: Solar energy is completely free source of energy and is found inabundance. Though the sun is 90 million miles from the Earth, it takes around 8 minutes for light to travel from that much of distance.

Fact 2: Solar energy which comprises radiant heat and light from the sun can be harnessed with some modern technology like photo-voltaic, solar heating, artificial photosynthesis and solar thermal electricity.

Fact 3: The solar technology can be distinguished into active and passive. Photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors which harness solar energy are examples of active solar technology. Passive technology includes constructing rooms to improve air circulation, orienting space to favorably use sunlight.

Fact 4: The Earth gets 174 Petawatts of incoming solar radiation in the upper atmosphere. About 30% is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed by oceans, clouds and land masses.

Fact 5: Solar energy has also another use. By means of photosynthesis, solar energy is converted by green plants into chemical energy which creates the bio mass that makes up the fossil fuels.