What Is Solar Energy?
Key Takeaways
- Understand the core components of solar pricing.
- Always compare multiple quotes to find the best deal.
- Incentives can drastically reduce your net cost.
Understanding the Basics of Solar Power
Solar energy is light and heat generated by the sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.
For most homeowners, "solar energy" refers specifically to solar photovoltaics (PV)—the panels you see on rooftops that convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Why Solar Matters
It is an essential source of renewable energy and its technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending on how they capture and distribute solar energy or convert it into solar power.
By capturing the sun's energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on the traditional power grid, lowering utility bills and reducing their carbon footprint.
Reviewed by the Superior Solar editorial team
We enforce a strict editorial policy focused on factual accuracy, transparent methodologies, and unbiased homeowner education.
Frequently Asked Questions
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