Solar energy is the primary source of energy on Earth and is responsible for almost all natural processes (see how does solar energy work).
Our Earth receives roughly 1000 watts (that’s a Joule / second) of solar energy per square meter of land area, and amazingly enough all this is generated by thermonuclear explosions within the sun. Part of the massive amount of energy released by the sun reaches the earth in the form of solar radiation although most is reflected or absorbed before it reaches the Earth’s surface.
Solar energy usually refers to different ways the sun’s energy can be used to generate solar power.
Solar power is generated by a) a surface that collects solar energy, and b) a method of converting the captured energy into electricity. There are two approaches:
Solar power is also used directly to power all sorts of electronic equipment, from handheld calculators, to power emergency road signs or call boxes, overhead lights in parking lots, and even some experimental vehicles (see portable solar power systems). Solar power is also used by satellites, where array of solar cells provide reliable power for the satellite’s electrical systems.
More: How does solar power work? (Infographic)
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