[Solar Power]
Nearly all energy comes from the sun in one form or another. Fossil fuels, petrol and coal, were all formed from decaying plants and animals that had solar energy stored in them absorbed during their lifetime. Wind power also comes from the sun’s heat, due to temperature differences between the land and sea. Despite most energy forms coming from the sun, only a few forms of power are considered to be solar power. When we talk about solar power, in the context of renewable energy, we are concerned with how we capture the sun’s energy and how we can use it.
Power from the sun comes to the Earth as heat and light. The sun is one large energy generation machine, the centre is made up of hydrogen particles which constantly react together to produce helium nuclei as well as large amounts of energy, burning at temperatures of several million °C. Extreme levels of energy are produced, such as light and heat - radiated at temperatures of more than 6,100 °C. Small amounts of this energy come into contact with the earth. As long as the sun is shining, solar energy can be harnessed to change light energy into electrical or heat energy
We can use the energy in the sun’s rays to heat our water, and provide electricity for our homes. There are some basic ways by which the energy from the sun can be utilised
Sourced: http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112188/the_sun.htm
The following links will guide you to the information pages specific to the various ways of harnessing solar energy.
