Solar Energy

Solar energy is the heat and light radiated from the Sun that powers Earth's climate and supports life. Solar technologies, such as solar panels allow controlled use of this energy resource to convert sunlight into electricity. The primary solar power technologies are photovoltaics which is used in the production of electricity, and solar thermal devices which are used mainly for heating systems. Whilst solar energy efficiency levels need to increase radically, with the typical efficiency of photovaltaic solar panels below 20%, the potential of harnessing the suns energy is is truly massive. In fact, the amount of energy that reaches the earth from the sun every minute, is sufficient to meet global energy needs for a whole year. Solar power is noise free, requires virtually no maintenance, and is dynamic enough to be utilised for small individual uses such as domestic heating, to large-scale grid applications. Solar energy represents a much needed source of energy for the developing world, particularly Africa.