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What is solar energy?

The sun is an incredible and renewable resource that has the power to fuel life on earth and provide clean, sustainable energy to all of its inhabitants. In fact, more energy from the sun reaches our planet in one hour than is used by the entire population of the world in one year. The sun's energy can be converted into electricity through solar photovoltaic (PV) modules (photo = light, voltaic = electricity).

How does solar energy work and why should we use solar energy?

PV modules absorb sunlight and convert the energy into a usable form of electrical current. The sun shines all over the world, making solar electricity viable anywhere. Because solar can be paired with batteries for energy storage, solar electric systems can be independent of the utility grid, making them cost-effective for remote locations. Solar modules have no moving parts making maintenance costs low, and they are highly reliable with a long service life of 25+ years of guaranteed electricity. Solar electricity relies on the sun as its fuel source, so there is no need to drill for petroleum-based fuels, refine them, or deliver them to the site. As you can see, there are a lot of advantages of solar energy.

The solar industry is growing

The design and installation of PV systems on a large scale enable us to move away from other polluting and unsustainable energy sources. Since the solar industry is growing, that means that the need for skilled workers is also growing!

Remote Energy (RE) is a 501 (c)(3) for-impact organization that trains women and men worldwide to harness the power of the sun and develop the technical PV design and installation skills required to bring clean power and positive change to their communities. Technician training programs provide the growing workforce with the practical skills needed to be competent and competitive. Solar educator training programs empower local trainers with curriculum, mentorship opportunities, and the skills needed to meet current, regional training requirements.

Do you want to learn more about solar electric systems? Sign up for our next Solar System Fundamentals with Energy Storage Online Course today!

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The sun is an incredible and renewable resource that has the power to fuel life on earth and provide clean, sustainable energy to all of its inhabitants. In fact, more energy from the sun reaches our planet in one hour than is used by the entire population of the world in one year .

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Solar energy is a renewable energy source that mainly generates electricity through solar radiation. In our daily life, we can widely use solar products, such as Tesla charging panels. Compared with traditional fuels, solar energy does not produce harmful substances such as carbon emissions and has less impact on the environment.

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►Back to Solar Portal

Solar energy is the radiant light and heat from the sun that has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation along with secondary solar resources account for most of the available renewable energy on earth.

However, only a minuscule fraction of the available solar energy can be used to:

Solar irradiation data is needed at all levels of solar power development, from initial government planning through to large-scale project development or the calculations needed to size smaller systems. In the past such data was provided at a relatively course level from NASA and other global providers, but more recently specialist models have been developed to more precisely calculate global horizontal irradiation (GHI) and direct normal irradiation (DNI) using primarily cloud cover data from satellites. A number of firms now offer such data as a commercial service. Based on this, it is possible to calculate average annual power output from a theoretical photovoltaic power plant (PVOUT), taking into account temperature, tilt, and the efficiency of the equipment being used (solar panels and balance of system components).

Solar resource data, including GHI, DNI and PVOUT is now available globally, for free, via the Global Solar Atlas, which is provided by the World Bank Group. The same website has downloadable global, regional and country maps available in high resolution.

Solar energy technologies refer primarily to the use of solar radiation for practical ends. All other renewable energies other than geothermal derive their energy from energy received from the sun.

Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic modules (also called photovoltaic panels) and solar thermal collectors (with electrical or mechanical equipment) to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.

Active solar technologies increase the supply of energy and are considered supply side technologies, while passive solar technologies reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies.

Solar Thermal Technologies

Solar thermal technologies are harnessing solar energy for thermal energy (heat). Solar thermal technologies comprise flat collectors for low- and medium temperatures and high temperature collectors concentrating sunlight using mirrors and lenses.

There are even solar thermal system for cooling purposes that work with adsorption, absorption or desiccant cooling.

Solar Electric Technologies

Sunlight can be directly converted into electricity using photovoltaics (PV) and various experimental technologies.

OTEC - Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion taps into the stored solar energy in the ocean through the difference between the sea-surface temperatures and under 300m depth, which can be harnessed for extracting work through a Rankine cycle.

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►Back to Solar Portal Solar energy is the radiant light and heat from the sun that has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation along with secondary solar resources account for most of the available renewable energy on earth.

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「排程充電」可讓您在特定時間前，使用多餘的太陽能電力為車輛電池充電。一旦到了您所選定的時間，車輛就會接收來自任何來源的電力，直到設定的充電下限為止。如果您使用的是時間費率方案（time-of-use rate plan），您可以同時使用「太陽能充電」和「排程充電」，因為您的 Tesla 車輛會在白天利用多餘的太陽能電力充電，並在夜間電費較低時利用公共電網充電。

若要在 Tesla App 中排程充電，請遵循以下步驟：

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透過「太陽能充電」，您的 Tesla 車輛可以僅使用太陽能發電系統產生的多餘電力進行充電。進一步了解如何使用 Tesla App 設定「太陽能充電」限制以及其他資訊。

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In the future, we can continue to promote the solar energy industry and popularize solar energy products. By using the renewable energy, we can reduce the burden on the earth and build a sustainable future. Through the utilization of solar energy, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions, thus alleviating the burden on the planet. Let’s take action together and dedicate to protect for our planet!

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Disadvantages of Solar Energy

The disadvantages of solar energy are becoming fewer as the industry advances and grows, creating economies of scale. Technological advances are helping solar go mainstream. Here are how the disadvantages of solar energy and the pros and cons stack up.

1. The high initial costs of installing panels

The most commonly cited solar energy disadvantage, cost, is declining as the industry expands. The initial cost to buy and install the equipment is not cheap. Still, if cost is an issue, leasing options may reduce the amount of your initial outlay. If you do choose to buy, you will need to live in your home for a number of years before the system pays for itself. It's a long-term investment better suited to property owners than renters.

2. Solar energy storage is expensive

Of the disadvantages of solar energy, the temporary decline in energy production during bad weather has been a major issue. Days with low solar energy, however, are having less of an effect due to advances in battery technology. Old technology for storing solar energy, like lead acid batteries are being replaced by alternatives. Lithium ion batteries offer greater power at a lower cost. Nickel-based batteries have an extremely long life. New technologies, like flow batteries, promise scale and durable power storage.

3. Solar doesn't work for every roof type

Not every room will work well with solar panels. Orientation matters. If your roof doesn't face the sun, you won't be able to capture enough solar energy. Roofs that angle into the sun tend to work better than flat roofs.

Roofing materials like asphalt shingles, metal and tiles make installing solar panels easier. If your room is made with other materials, installation may be more expensive. Part of what makes energy-efficient roofs is their ability to support solar panels.

4. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight

It's obvious that solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity. They won't produce electricity at night when you need it for light and they can be inefficient during storms and gloomy days. Your solar energy system needs batteries if you plan to fully depend on solar energy to power your home.

Batteries are one of the more expensive components of your system. Unlike solar panels, they do wear out and need careful maintenance to lengthen their lives. Comparing wind power vs. solar power, wind will keep generating electricity at night and during storms, as long as there is enough wind. Many people use both in residential systems.

Constellation Energy and Solar Energy

When weighing the pros and cons of solar energy for your home, there are additional options worth considering. Community solar projects are a great way to get the advantages of solar energy without buying and maintaining a system yourself.

If your home and roof won't support solar panels or if you don't have enough money to invest in one, community solar might be your answer. With this option, you agree to participating in a program that allows you receive credits for every kWh generated by the solar facility. You get a credit on your electricity bill proportional to your percentage of ownership in the project's energy.

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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

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Solar is a renewable energy source that can power your home, reduce your electric costs and maybe even earn you money back. Learn the pros & cons of solar energy here.

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When it comes to environmental conversation, youth play a crucial role in environment protection, including employment, entrepreneurship, digitalization, education and advocacy. Through the continuous promotion of solar product development and the ability to implement it accurately. In addition, designing bicycles that generate electricity while riding not only promotes the development of sports but also solves the problem of producing renewable energy.

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Blog by Micheala Chan and Angelos Pastras, the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Youth Action Group.

Education is the cornerstone of the energy transition. In an era dominated by social media, young people are uniquely positioned to leverage their influence to build public consciousness around energy challenges, shape public awareness and garner support for climate and energy policies. Movements such as School Strike for Climate provide a prime example, exemplifying the power of young people to effectively advocate for climate action.

Youth have a critical role to play

The energy transition stands at a pivotal crossroad. As world leaders gather for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai to discuss tripling renewable power capacity by 2030 and shifting away from oil and gas, the vision of a sustainable energy transition is clear. Realising these goals requires the involvement of all stakeholders, particularly the youth who are and will continue to be the driving force behind this transition.

The youth have a critical role to play across many aspects of the energy transition, including employment, entrepreneurship, digitalisation, education, and advocacy. With a staggering 1.8 billion individuals aged 15 to 29 worldwide, youth are the key to a sustainable energy future. [1] In countries with rapidly growing youth populations, the energy transition is not only an environmental imperative but also a crucial opportunity to provide meaningful employment. In Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) in particular, youth entrepreneurship becomes a linchpin for achieving universal energy access through the establishment of micro and small businesses.

The digital realm offers a fertile ground for young minds

Digitalisation is also a frontier where the younger generations, often termed "digital natives", can play a pivotal role. Combining youth-driven innovation with the use and creation of digital tools and spaces can unlock new possibilities to accelerate the energy transition. Young people are adept at navigating digital landscapes and can harness the power of emerging technologies to address challenges creatively. For example, young innovators have already been making significant contributions to the development of smart grids and data analytics for optimising energy consumption. Youth are also eager to engage with decentralised energy systems, by advocating for and promoting transparency and efficiency in the process. Further, by actively engaging in digital platforms, young advocates can amplify their voices, fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange. From online platforms for sustainable energy solutions to virtual hackathons addressing energy challenges, the digital realm offers a fertile ground for young minds to connect, ideate and implement transformative solutions, driving the energy transition into the future.

A just energy transition calls for new ways of thinking

In the gap between policy and implementation, research and innovation emerge as crucial threads that weave together the fabric of a sustainable energy future. A just energy transition calls for new ways of thinking and dynamic approaches to bridge the energy access gap. Young people can bring fresh perspectives in shaping and refining policies, crafting business models, exploring alternative technologies for a more efficient energy system, and measuring our impact using data. By fostering an environment that nurtures research and innovation, we can empower youth to become active contributors to drive positive change on a global scale.

Enshrining youth participation in decision-making processes is pivotal, fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring that transition strategies align with the needs and expectations of youth. This engagement and participation acts as a two-way street, providing a platform for the youth to input their aspirations and concerns while infusing decision-making processes with the innovative ideas and forward-looking perspectives that define the generation. In doing so, the energy transition becomes a collective endeavour, where the visions and expectations of the youth are integral elements, shaping a more inclusive and responsive pathway towards a sustainable energy future.

Energy literacy is a powerful tool

However, a significant challenge to youth empowerment in the energy transition exists in the form of a lack of trained youth with the capacity to tackle the sustainable energy transition. Energy literacy is a powerful tool to stimulate young minds, and instil the values that contribute to a sustainable future. Collaboration with vocational institutions is also important to bridging this gap, offering targeted training programmes which align with the evolving needs of the energy sector.

Towards a sustainable energy future

Our 1.8 billion-strong cohort of young minds can lead the energy transition, bringing fresh perspectives, effectively advocating for change and actively driving progress. To realise this vision, youth empowerment must extend beyond words and rhetoric, shifting away from tokenistic approaches and towards the co-creation of a sustainable energy future. [2]

TheCommonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Youth Action Group
The Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Youth Action Group (CSET Youth) is an impact-driven network of young people from across the Commonwealth, committed to empowering youth of the Commonwealth to support, contribute to, and advocate for a sustainable energy transition.
[1] UN World Population Prospects 2022: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/

[2] SDG7 Youth Constituency, 2021. White Paper on Meaningful Youth Engagement in the Intergovernmental Energy Space.

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Blog: Empowering Youth for the Sustainable Energy Transition

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Blog by Micheala Chan and Angelos Pastras, the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Youth Action Group. Education is the cornerstone of the energy transition. In an era dominated by social media, young people are uniquely positioned to leverage their influence to build public consciousness around energy challenges, shape public awareness and garner support for climate and energy policies.

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The emergence of solar energy and electric vehicles has improved the problems of traditional energy sources.

Tesla's electric vehicles are an issue can not be ignored. They use solar energy as the energy source for their electric vehicles, which makes them have lower carbon emissions than traditional fuels.

Additionally, Tesla's electric vehicles are designed and manufactured with environmental considerations in mind, using many recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact.

To sum up, Tesla's success has inspired more automobile manufacturers to develop and promote electric vehicles, further promoting the popularity and development of clean energy transportation. Tesla lays the foundation for the sustainable future.