Solar Energy Basics

Solar energy is a powerful source of energy that can be used to heat, cool, and power our 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 are solar photovoltaics for electricity, passive solar design for space heating and cooling, and solar water heating.

Businesses and industry use solar technologies to diversify their energy sources, improve efficiency, and save money. Energy developers and utilities use solar photovoltaic and concentrating solar power technologies to produce electricity on a massive scale to power our electric grid. Solar electricity is one of the fastest growing sources of energy in the world. 

Solar Photovoltaic Technology

Converts sunlight directly into electricity to power homes and businesses.

Passive Solar Technology

Provides light and harnesses heat from the sun to warm our homes and businesses in winter.

Solar Water Heating

Harnesses heat from the sun to provide hot water for homes and businesses.

Solar Process Heat

Uses solar energy to heat or cool commercial and industrial buildings.

Concentrating Solar Power

Harnesses heat from the sun to provide electricity for large power stations.

Additional Resources

Solar Research

Solar News and Feature Stories

How Does Solar Work? (U.S. Department of Energy)

Solar Energy Resources (U.S. Department of Energy)

BuildingsNEXT™ Student Design Competition (U.S. Department of Energy)

Energy Kids: Solar Basics (U.S. Energy Information Administration)