Solar radiation provides 170 million GW of power. According to Photovoltaic Systems, (by John Dunlop, PE) this generation of energy is millions of times greater than the maximum power demand of all mankind. The two forms of solar energy – passive and active – offer the opportunity to access this tremendous energy source.
Passive solar energy is harnessed with the use of building orientation as well as selecting materials with effective thermal properties that collect and distribute energy.
Active solar energy is created through the use of solar photovoltaic panels and directly converts solar radiation into electricity or can produce thermal energy for radiant heating or household hot water.
The fluctuation in the amount of sunlight that arrives at the earth's surface, the time of day, time of year, and weather conditions affect production and must be considered for proper application.
