Solar Energies

solar

wind

biomass

nuclear

Active solar energy uses mechanical equipment to capture sunlight.

Passive solar energy requires electrical equipment to function.

south-facing room with windows

solar oven

photovoltaic cells

solar cells to generate electricity to power a heater in the room

materials that absorb and store solar energy to warm the room

Active solar heating uses mechanical systems to collect and distribute heat.

Passive solar heating relies on building design and materials to collect and distribute heat.

large windows on the south side of the house

floor and walls that will store heat in the winter

trees that block the sun for the entire year

no mechanical components are used to move heat around

some mechanical components are used to move heat around

To emit light

To convert sunlight into electricity

Silicon is a limited resource

No CO2 released

Renewable

Produces no pollution during its operation

Expensive to store energy