Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant, renewable energy source available. The United State has some of the richest solar resources and 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.
There are four main types of solar energy technologies: photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight directly to electricity by means of PV cells made of semiconductor materials; concentrating solar power (CSP) systems, which concentrate the sun's energy using reflective devices such as troughs or mirror panels to produce heat that is then used to generate electricity; solar water heating systems, which contain a solar collector that faces the sun and either heats water directly or heats a "working fluid" that, in turn, is used to heat water; transpired solar collectors, or "solar walls," which use solar energy to preheat ventilation air for a building.
Quick Facts
- Solar energy can be used to heat water, to be used in homes and buildings, and heating spaces, to be used in greenhouses, homes and other buildings.
- Solar water heaters allow owners to save as much as 50% to 85% annually on their utility bills over the cost of electric water heating.
- Only 0.1 percent of the power used today comes from solar energy that is collected and converted into electrical current.
Sample Legislation
Colorado House Bill 1149 requires homebuilders to offer prospective buyers the option of having the home include a solar photovoltaic installation and a list of local solar installers who can assess the home’s solar energy potential.
Colorado House Bill 1312 directs the state to set up a loan program for schools that wish to set up renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement projects
Washington Substitute Senate Bill 5136 makes it unlawful for a homeowners’ association to prohibit the installation of solar energy panels by an owner or resident on the owner's or resident's property
Additional Resources
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/about.html
http://www.seia.org/cs/about_solar_energy
http://www.energy.gov/energysources/solar.htm
