Solar energy consists of the light and heat which is emitted by the sun as electromagnetic radiation. With today's technology, we are able to capture this radiation and turn it into usable forms of solar energy - such as heating or electricity. Although one could go into technical dissertations on the subject of electromagnetic radiation, how it is converted into solar energy, and the exact qualities of its electromagnetic rays, this is not something the average person needs or wants to know. But in order to be able to benefit from the use of solar energy, there are a few facts you should know. Knowing these facts can assist you to make sound decisions, when looking at the use of solar power as a clean energy source for your home, RV, or whatever the case may be. - Environmental Facts about Solar Energy All life on earth is dependent upon solar energy. In fact, without solar energy, there would be no life at all. Even the lowest life forms, such as plankton and microbes, need solar energy (in the form of sunlight) in order to survive. Solar energy is completely environmental friendly, producing absolutely no carbon emissions or other harmful byproducts whatsoever. Solar energy can be used successfully and cost-effectively just about anywhere on the planet. You do not need to live in a tropical or desert climate in order to benefit from the use of solar energy. Solar power has been used successfully in many cold climates and even in the polar regions. Every part of the United States receives sufficient sunlight to benefit from and make use of solar energy and solar technology. Currently, the cheapest and most effective way of using solar energy in your home is through the use of solar water heating systems. In fact, for over one hundred years, solar water heating systems have been commercially available in the United States. Solar energy can be used for heating homes effectively in cold climates, as well as in warm climates. In fact, solar heating has been in use many cold-climate northern European countries for several decades now. Solar energy technology has advanced to the point where it can be now be a viable and cost-effective replacement for regular grid-electricity. Solar energy is rapidly increasing in popularity - so much so that the demand for solar-powered gadgets is currently greater than the supply. - Facts about Solar Energy Usage Solar energy can be used to provide electricity, heating and hot water for homes. Solar energy can also be used to heat swimming pools. Many pools in Scandinavia and Europe are in fact heated with solar energy. Solar Energy can be used to power vehicles, such as solar powered cars, and even a solar powered airplanes. NASA has successfully designed, built, and tested an airplane which is powered wholly by solar energy. A few examples are: solar battery chargers, solar flashlights, solar calculators, solar radios, solar-powered attic fans, solar power backpacks (to recharge batteries for small devices), hybrid solar chargers (for cell phones, satellite phones, and more), solar-powered garden lights ... and much, much more.
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