Solar energy
Solar Energy
Solar energy (pronunciation: /ˈsoʊlər ˈɛnərdʒi/) is the radiant energy emitted by the sun, which is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, and solar architecture.
Etymology
The term "solar" comes from the Latin word sol which means "sun". "Energy" is derived from the Greek word energeia which means activity or operation. In the context of physics, it is defined as the capacity to do work.
Related Terms
- Photovoltaics: A method of converting solar energy into direct current electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect.
- Solar thermal energy: A form of energy and a technology for harnessing solar energy to generate thermal energy or electrical energy for use in industry, and in the residential and commercial sectors.
- Solar architecture: An architectural approach that takes in account the sun to optimize a building's energy consumption.
- Solar panel: A device that converts light into electricity. They are called "solar" panels because most of the time, the most powerful source of light available is the Sun.
- Solar power plant: A facility that converts sunlight either directly, like photovoltaics, or indirectly, like solar thermal plants, into electricity.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Solar energy
- Wikipedia's article - Solar energy
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