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The Sun can be thought of as a giant nuclear furnace stationed in the sky. It is a tremendous source of solar energy, cranking out massive amounts of radiation each and every day.

Electromagnetic radiation is the technical term for solar energy. This radiation is emitted by the sun and is absorbed into Earths biosphere in many ways. Because of its widespread importance to the biosphere, solar energy plays a crucial role to our existence.

This electromagnetic radiation, also referred to as light waves, includes an entire spectrum of different wavelengths. X-rays are some of the shortest light waves, where as radio waves are some of the longest. Solar energy falls in between, composed mostly of infrared waves, waves (colors) visible to the human eye, and ultraviolet waves. Life on Earth has heavily adapted toward these wavelengths that we receive.

The Sun emits solar energy in the range of infrared, visible light, and ultra-violet wave lengths. Thank goodness for this, because if the Sun emitted solar energy as X-rays or Gamma rays, we would all be toast.

The Earths natural landscapes, they absorb solar energy and produce heat. It is the heat absorbed by mountains and plains that create local wind patterns. It is the heat absorbed by the oceans that creates the famous currents. Solar energy is responsible for thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. It melts the mountain snows which form many of our rivers.

Solar energy is the catalyst for almost everything that occurs on Earth. It is as though the Earth has its own power plant, a giant Nuclear Fusion Reactor in outer space. It is a good thing too, because without it we would all be screwed.

Each and every day we should all be giving thanks to the Sun. It may be the most important element to our existence which we take for granted. Imagine if one day we woke up and there was no Sun? It would be like losing power at your home, but a million times worse. Probably most people would fall into an immediate panic.

If theres one thing that is decidedly for sure, then, is that humans need solar energy. When you think about it, really, our entire plant (including us) is solar energy, taking it in and transforming it into other forms.

With the recent advances in materials and industry, we now find ourselves with some new inventions for working with solar energy. It is now possible to make electricity directly from sunlight in a photovoltaic device. We can harness solar energy in absorption and concentrating collectors and store the heat.

We are entering a new age of energy generation for fulfilling our daily needs. We believe modern civilization has only just begun with these new age energies. Reaping the benefits of solar power and solar heat is in its infancy.

How much can we rely on these new technologies to power our daily needs? Does making power from solar energy really save in the long run? How difficult are solar energy systems to integrate, and what types of technologies are the best? We pondered these very questions ourselves, and decided to share some of the answers.