What is solar power?

Energy from the sun, in the form of solar radiation, can be harnessed in several ways:

• Photovoltaic (PV) cells containing semiconductors can convert solar radiation into electricity.
• Solar collectors convert solar radiation into heat which can be used to provide hot water.
• Photosynthesis turns solar radiation into energy rich biomass (in the form of trees and plants). This provides the world with 13% of its energy, primarily in the developing world.
• Using passive solar building techniques, the sun can be used to contribute to space heating needs, even in cold and cloudy climates.
  

Did you know?

Solar energy systems do not rely on direct sunlight. They will generate heat or electricity even on cloudy days, although less effectively than on sunny days.

If every suitable roof in the UK had PV, we could generate all of our electricity needs from our daylight.

A domestic solar collection system, like the one below, could generate up to 60% of your hot water needs.

Information from Bredondale Solar (http://www.bredondalesolar.co.uk/).

Solar power in action

Solar Century, PV specialists, created this spectacular array to power the building use on TV’s Big Brother programme. The panels provide enough power for four typical three-bedroom houses.

Information from Solar Century (http://www.solarcentury.co.uk/).