Light emitted from the sun can be used in a variety of different ways to produce usable energy. A few options include:

- Simply using the sun to help regulate home temperature (passive solar energy)

- By using mirrors and thermal solar collectors, it is possible to magnify the heat energy of the sun and apply it to different substances, including water

- Photovoltaic cells: sun light can be converted into electricity to be used in the home

When done effectively, taking advantage of the heat and light energy displaced by the sun can have a substantial impact on your monthly bills. Harnessing the suns power in this sense is known as Passive Solar Power. A few ideas to help you take advantage of the suns passive energy include:

- Insulation! This is probably the most important step in taking advantage of passive solar energy. Make sure that your walls, ceilings, and floors are appropriately insulated. Also check around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Proper insulation in a house should result in an inside temperature that stays relatively constant

- Another effective technique for keeping warm air in or cold air out is using curtains. Similarly, window shutters or clear insulating strips can also do a good job at regulating inside temperatures.

- Vegetation placed strategically around the home can also greatly effect the inside temperature of the house. For example, plants located near windows and doors can absorb a great deal of summer heat, in addition to providing fresh air.

Solar Power to Heat Water: since the sun is the hottest thing around, it makes sense to use its tremendous temperature output to heat your home. By concentrating this heat output, one can easily warm water or a space (temperatures can reach up to boiling point!).

With the help of a device known as a thermal collector, it is possible to use the suns high temperature output to heat water or air. A thermal collector essentially houses metal plates covered by a sheet of glass. The warmth is absorbed by these plates and then transferred to the substance that needs to be heated. This substance can then be collected in a well insulated storage tank or used immediately.

In conclusion, light can also be converted to electricity through the use of photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar panels. A very basic description of what happens inside these panels is that the light displaced by the sun causes a reaction within the cells, resulting in charged electrons. These can then be used directly as electricity in a home, or stored in a deep cycle battery for later use.

Tags: Solar Energy