One of the renewable energy sources, that has gained interest recently is solar energy. The energy from the sun obtained from the heat and light emitted by the sun has been an energy source that has been widely used in various low technology applications over the years. Solar energy along with the various other renewable energy generation systems will form the backbone of power generation in the future.
Solar energy is harnessed to provide energy and generate electricity using photovoltaic cells or heat engines. Solar applications are wide and varied and include basic cooking through solar cookers and heat concentrators, obtaining potable water, lighting systems, water heating and other thermal applications for industrial and household use and even space heating.
Solar technologies can be classified into two major systems. They are either the active or passive type solar system. This classification is based on their reception, conversion and distributive systems for solar energy. Active solar systems utilise photovoltaic cells and thermal solar concentrators to generate useful energy from sunlight. Passive solar systems are not exclusive set ups but more indirectly involved. These include, designing a building to be oriented towards the sun, using materials that have thermal masses or light dispensing properties that are favourable towards energy utilisation and also space design to naturally distribute air and light for ventilation and lightning.
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