Types of Solar Energy

"What are the different types of solar energy?"

When we talk about types of solar energy, there are many ways to look at it. We'll explore the two most common ways solar energy is categorized.

The first way to look at solar energy is by how it is converted into useful energy. There are two types in this first group...

• Passive Solar Energy
• Active Solar Energy

The second way look at solar energy is by the type of energy it is converted into. There are three types in this second group...

• Solar Thermal Energy
• Photovoltaic Solar Power
• Concentrating Solar Power

Some Examples of the Many Types of Solar Energy

Let's take a closer look at these five types of solar power...

Passive Solar Energy

Passive solar energy refers to the harnessing of the sun's energy without the use of mechanical devices. Using south-facing windows to provide natural lighting and heat for your home are examples of passive solar energy.

There are several solar applications a homeowner can use to take advantage of passive solar energy...

• Passive solar heating
• Passive cooling
• Daylighting

Back To Top

Active Solar Energy

Active solar energy uses mechanical devices in the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for your home. For example, in active solar energy water heating systems, pumps are used to circulate water through the system.

There are several solar applications a homeowner can use to take advantage of active solar energy...

• Active solar space heating
• Active solar water heating
• Active solar pool heating

Back To Top

Solar Thermal Energy

Solar thermal energy is the energy created by converting solar energy into heat.

There are several solar applications a homeowner can use to take advantage of solar thermal energy...

• Solar space heating
• Solar water heating
• Solar pool heating
• Solar thermal cooling

Back To Top

Photovoltaic Solar Power

Photovoltaic solar power is the energy created by converting solar energy into electricity using photovoltaic solar cells.

There are several solar applications a homeowner can use to take advantage of photovoltaic solar power...

• Solar electricity
• Photovoltaic cooling
• Photovoltaic solar lighting

Back To Top

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

Concentrating solar power is a type of solar thermal energy that is used to generate solar power electricity.

This technology is aimed at large-scale energy production. Because of this, as a homeowner, you won't use concentrated solar power directly, but could take advantage of it through a green-pricing service offered by your regulated utility or an alternative energy supplier.

Back To Top

---

When considering solar energy for your home, look at the many different types of solar energy available to you.

You'll find that getting started with solar energy is easier than you think!