Solar Power - Some Commonly Asked Questions

What is solar power?

Solar power is the photovoltaic and thermal rays from the sun that is used to create electricity. Solar rays travel from the sun, pass through Earth's atmosphere and are collected in special cells which then store and produce electrical current for human use.

Is solar power and solar energy the same thing?

Actually even though people interchange both words, they are not the same thing. Solar energy is the "catch all" term that describes all the uses of solar rays. Solar power is the specific action of photovoltaic rays being captured and converted into electricity. Most people do not realize the difference and it is a very common misconception.

Why should we use solar power?

There are many reasons to use solar power. The first is the growing problem of fossil fuels. Scientists and environmentalists know that eventually fossil fuels will run out. When this happens, humanity must have another method of fuel. There is also the problem with the emissions that come about as a direct result of burning fossil fuels. The sun provides constant power and it is in everyone's best interest to utilize this natural resource. The sun is free and unlikely to go anywhere in the next three thousand years.

What happens if it is a cloudy day?

Unless you have storage for your collected solar power, you will have to rely on other means to heat, cool or power your home. If the solar panels do not receive sunlight, the process of converting the thermal rays into electricity does not happen. If you do have storage, the power will be pulled from there.

Where can I find out more information on solar power or solar energy?

There are many great books and websites that can give you tons of information regarding the use of solar power or energy. One site in particular is the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. There are articles on current government policies as well as breaking news regarding technology. That website is www.nrel.gov.