What is solar thermal energy?

The word thermal signifies anything of or relating to heat. Thermal energy is the energy created from that heat. Solar thermal energy involves the heat created by the sun and harnessed by humans on earth. It is complementary to solar photovoltaic energy, in which solar panels directly convert sunlight into electricity.

Solar thermal energy is used in a variety of ways, all involving heat. Pools, home water supply, living space, greenhouses and sun rooms are all heated using solar thermal energy. On a broader scale, solar thermal energy is the lifeblood of the earth. If the sun did not rise every morning and set every night, there could be no life on earth as we know it today.