Solar Energy Facts

In today’s environmentally conscious society, renewable energy is becoming less and less an option and more and more a necessity. Solar energy is one of the major players in renewable energy. Most people know that solar energy comes in the forms of heat and light, with power derived directly from the sun. But there’s much more to solar energy than these basics. When using sustainable methods for your home remodeling needs, keep these facts about solar energy in mind.

• The sun is the most vital form of energy accessible to us.
• Daylight Savings Time matches available sunlight to the time when it is more useful, maximizing the potential for solar energy.
• According to Greenpeace, the sun can provide us with 10,000 times the amount of energy we need.
• According to CNN, solar power contributes 0.039 percent of the world’s electricity needs.
• Photovoltaic (PV) installations in just 4 percent of the world’s deserts would meet global energy needs. PV installations often take the form of solar panels that convert light energy into solar energy.
• The energy we get from all of the world's reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas can be matched by just 20 days' supply of sunshine

(Source: CNN)

So how do we make use of all this solar goodness? When it comes to lighting, window design and placement strongly influence the quality of light and heat within the home. Here are just a few techniques.

• Insulated glazing, which consists of an air space between two panes of glass, provides added insulation.

• Low-emissivity coatings on windows consist of thin metal coating within the glass’s airspace, reflecting thermal radiation and allowing solar radiation into the room.

• The strategic placement of skylights can also increase the home’s natural lighting, decreasing electrical use as well as the price of utility bills.

If this sounds good, there are a lot more ways to utilize solar energy in architectural and urban planning. Solar systems can be put into play for water heating, general heating, cooling, and ventilation, cooking and energy storage, and much more. Even drying your clothes can be done in a more energy-efficient way. To get started, check out CalFinder’s blog on solar energy panels, or contact our solar energy contractors.

Facts about Solar Energy / Solar Cells / Solar Water Heaters / Solar Power vs. Thermal Power / Solar Loans / Solar Panels / Solar Energy Potential