Colorado Solar Home Association

[CSHA]

[Source: NREL]

Solar Energy Basics

The sun's heat and light provide an abundant source of energy that can be harnessed in many ways. There are a variety of technologies that have been developed to take advantage of solar energy. These include concentrating solar power systems, passive solar heating and daylighting, photovoltaic systems, solar hot water, and solar process heat and space heating and cooling.

Solar power can be used in both large-scale applications and in smaller systems for the home. Businesses and industry can diversify their energy sources, improve efficiency, and save money by choosing solar technologies for heating and cooling, industrial processes, electricity, and water heating. Homeowners can also use solar technologies for heating and cooling and water heating, and may even be able to produce enough electricity to operate "off-grid" or to sell the extra electricity to the utilities, depending on local programs. The use of passive solar heating and daylighting design strategies can help both homes and commercial buildings operate more efficiently and make them more pleasant and comfortable places in which to live and work.

More Information:
Solar Energy Technologies Program
(http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/photovoltaics.html)
DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
_________________
"Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs"