Learn more
Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant, renewable energy source available. And the U.S. has some of the richest solar resources shining across the nation. Today's technology allows us to capture this power in several ways giving the public and commercial entities flexible ways to employ both the heat and light of the sun.
As global climate change impacts the way the U.S. addresses environmental policy, conducts business and harnesses energy, the solar energy industry is leading the way with a renewable energy source that creates economic growth and reduces carbon emissions. Solar is an pollution-free source of electricity and hot water that can be immediately deployed to reduce the nation's growing carbon footprint.
As the federal government considers climate change legislation, Congress should create carbon output-based market rules that encourage carbon-free technologies and allow energy sources such as solar to be rewarded for producing
Myths and Facts about Solar Energy
MYTH #1: Solar devices require more energy to manufacture than they produce in their lifetime.
FACT: This study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conclusively demonstrates that energy payback for photovoltaic (PV) power is, in the worst case, less than 4 years. Given that PV module lifetimes are generally in excess of 20 years, a PV system will produce far more energy than it consumes over its lifetime.MYTH #2: Solar manufacturing results in more pollution than is saved by solar usage.
FACT: As shown in the NREL study above, a PV system meeting half of the electrical needs of a typical household would eliminate approximately half a ton of sulfur dioxide pollution from the air, and about 600 lbs. of nitrogen oxides. In contrast, the pollutants produced in the manufacturing process are minimal and largely recycled.MYTH #3: MYTH #3: Solar is too expensive for widespread usage.
FACT: Solar PV technologies have declined in price every year since they were introduced onto the market, driven by improved research and development, and most of all by steady increases in sales volume. (In 1954, approximately one watt of PV generating devices was manufactured. In 2004, approximately one billion watts will be manufactured worldwide.)MYTH #4: Solar won't work where I live.
FACT: Solar thermal and PV devices are dependent on light, not heat - and this light does not need to be direct. Put another way, if you can find your way around outside, a solar panel could be working. The map below shows solar resources throughout the U.S. While the Southwest enjoys particularly good resources, the entire U.S. has adequate solar resources.
Solar Electric (Photovoltaic) - Photovoltaic (PV) systems use semiconductor materials that convert sunlight into electricity. PV produces direct current electricity that is converted via an inverter to produce alternating current or is stored in batteries.
Solar Thermal - Solar collectors absorb the sun's energy to provide low-temperature heat used directly for hot water or space heating and cooling systems for residential or commercial buildings. Collectors can be flat panel or evacuated tubes.
Concentrating Solar Power - Using reflective materials, like mirrored troughs, utility-scale systems concentrate the sun's heat to warm a synthetic liquid to temperatures over 500 degrees Farenheit. This fluid heats water that in turn powers steam turbines to produce electricty.
Passive Solar - Architects and builders use special siting, design and materials to absorb the sun's heat that later is released to warm during cooler evening and nights. Passive solar also refers to directing sunlight to brighten interior spaces and positioning shading devices to protect from excessive heat.
Solar Ovens - Solar ovens are a low-tech, low-cost option to heating and cooking food. Similar to a crockpot, solar ovens are essentially well insulated portable boxes that capture and hold the sun's heat.
Emerging Technology - Research and development by companies and research labs are continually discovering new techniques and materials that improve efficiencies and cut the cost of capturing solar energy.