Solar Energy (/sōlər ˈenərjē/): Radiant energy emitted by the sun. (Oxford Dictionary) Solar energy (also called solar power) is simply energy from the sun. More specifically, it’s the heat and light that flows from the sun. Thanks to innovative technology, we can harness the sun’s power and use it as electricity. We do this with something called photovoltaic cells. These cells absorb solar energy and convert it into electricity. When we group these photovoltaic cells together, it’s called a solar panel. These panels are what you see on tops of homes. They’re responsible for capturing and converting solar energy into usable electricity. This type of solar energy is known as active solar energy. Passive solar energy refers to the power of the sun in its natural state. For instance, the natural light and natural heat from the sun are examples of passive solar energy. In these examples, solar energy still results in an action (lighting and heating). The difference? No extra electrical component is necessary to harness its power. When it comes to residential or commercial solar power, there are three main types of systems.

• Off-Grid Solar Systems
• Grid-Tied Solar Systems
• Hybrid Solar Systems

An off-grid system is a way to be truly energy independent. The system doesn’t have any exterior energy sources. Instead, it harnesses the energy from the sun’s rays and stores them for later. The benefit of this system is that your home or property is entirely self-sufficient. The drawback is that if you don’t have enough energy stored in your system, you’ll have to go without power.