The sun may be 150 million km away, but it has a lot of potential sunshine power here on Earth! Solar energy is a type of energy that we get from the light and heat of the sun. 
Using the sun’s energy doesn’t create any pollution and is therefore great for the planet!
There are a few different types of solar energy:
Photovoltaic (fo-to-vol-ta-ik) energy is electricity generated by the sun’s light (photons) shining on a solar panel. Solar panels are really just a bunch of photovoltaic cells stuck together, which are very good at absorbing tiny bits of solar energy and converting it into power that we can use. Some watches and calculators are powered by tiny photovoltaic cells instead of batteries, and did you know that solar panels are also used by astronauts to power space stations? Stellar!
Thermal (heat) energy technology captures the same photons, changing light from the sun into heat that powers a generator and makes electricity. Not only can this type of technology help keep your house warm during a cold winter’s night, it can also be used to heat the water coming through your tap.
And finally, have you ever stepped into a greenhouse and instantly felt warm? Well, this is called passive thermal energy, the easiest form of solar energy we can use because there isn’t any machinery or technology involved. The sun shines through the clear walls of a greenhouse and naturally heats up the space. But it’s not just greenhouses; some buildings (and animals) also take advantage of this heat!
Did you know that the sun produces enough energy in just 1 hour to equal all of the energy humans need in a whole year? We think the planet is bound to have a bright future with this renewable energy source.
Check out other types of renewable energy!
Generously sponsored by:
Sources:
https://www3.epa.gov/climatechange//kids/solutions/technologies/solar.html
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/solar-energy/
The sun is so amazing! But I really wish it had sunglasses
Ikr
I Love Summer!
Me too
same here
Me too…because the sun keeps it so hot and we get to run around and play with friends
The sun can do lots for us. It gives us vitamin d and it helps plants grow
I love the summer
the cat is cute
Yes they are so cute when they are babies…too bad I’m allergic.
Cool so many good facts about the sun!
Can’t wait until everyone uses renewable resources for consumer needs
I love to play outside in the summer
our sunflowers turn toward sun all day
I planted a pineapple and put it in the sunniest spot in my yard. it is growing very fast
My dog loves to lay down in the sun
I am not a cat person but this cat is having lots of fun
We just have two month summer here and I know what does sun means to my garden
This is cool! Maybe we can try one of them.
I love summer it fun but I did not know that the sun has power
Sometimes i don’t like tthe sun because it makes me hot and sweaty
that is the power of the sun!
that’s a lot of stuff about out sun!