In order to harness solar energy it is very important to know What is Solar Energy? Solar energy as the name suggests is the energy from Sun. Solar energy is automatically produced when Sun shines and radiates energy. Solar energy could be found on anything which is being hit by Sun shine. Lifeforms on earth is supported by solar energy. Even long before the energy of fossil fuels were harnessed solar energy was used by our forefathers to conduct their day to day activities like focusing on some object with thick lens under sunlight produced fire. Similarly people in some civilizations kept their house warm by building it with its face towards sun.

The Sun rays hit the earth but they are not focused on particular point instead they are scattered. Even if this energy is concentrated on one object it becomes difficult to trap it for some use. Only 16 % of energy which falls on Earth is absorbed rest all are reflected or absorbed due to various reasons. The solar energy is absorbed by oceans, landmasses and plants.

Due to scattering of sun rays its impossible to harness the solar energy but in order to harness the solar energy it needs to be concentrated in one particular area. Solar energy can be concentrated in specific area using solar collector. Solar collector attracts Sunlight in one particular area. The absorbant objects in the space will trap this solar energy so that it becomes impossible to escape again into space. Glass is one such example of solar collector which concentrates the Sunlight in it . It becomes impossible for the entrapped solar energy to escape the Glass.

Facts about Solar energy:

After understanding what is solar energy now next lets examine some interesting facts about Solar energy

• Earth receives 174 petawatts of solar energy at the upper atmosphere at any given time.

• The total solar energy available to the earth is approximately 3850 zettajoules (ZJ) per year.

• Solar Energy is measured in kilowatt-hour. 1 kilowatt = 1000 watts.

• Solar energy is responsible for weather patterns and ocean currents.

• Solar industrialization was predicted by Da Vinci in 1447.

• Third world countries have abundance of sunlight and most of the population is living without electricity. So Third world countries is fastest growing market for solar energy harnessment.

In order to harness solar energy it is important to direct its concentration at one point.

Solar energy can be found anywhere the sun shines but in order to fill the heat you must have direct sunlight for an extended period of time. If you just use the morning sun to heat your home your house may not stay warm through the night.