The sun is a massive, hot sphere of gas that emits incredible amounts of energy into space in the form of heat and light, referred to as solar energy. The amount of solar energy that reaches Earth’s surface in 60 minutes is enough to power the globe’s energy needs for an entire year!
Without the sun, we wouldn’t have any of the energy sources we rely on every day. The light and heat from the sun grow the plants that eventually become gas, wood, and coal and drive the air and water currents that power wind turbines and hydroelectric dams. Unfortunately, our society is not using this powerful renewable resource to its fullest extent. In fact, less than 3% of all U.S. energy production comes directly from solar energy.
That’s why entrepreneurs, government agencies, and researchers are trying to make it more affordable and efficient to use solar directly as a primary energy source. By cutting out the middleman between the sun and the energy we consume, we can take full advantage of our most powerful and prevalent source of renewable energy.
Keep reading to learn more about what solar energy is and how going solar can electrify your life.
