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This is the first of a series of articles on solar energy. The series will explain some of the basic concepts, economics and feasibility of solar energy in heating homes as well as other applications.
Although there is an abundance of information available on solar energy, this tremendous flood of data has created confusion due to the wide range of possible applications of solar energy. While each system must be tailored for individual needs based upon climatic conditions, building materials and budget considerations, the principles of solar energy are simple.
On a large scale the sun already provides most of the energy used on the earth, generating energy to drive the entire solar system. The sun gives life through the process of photosynthesis from which all fossil fuels derive. Prevailing winds, powering ships and windmills are set in motion by the earth’s rotation and also rise and fall because of air masses heated by the sun. The energy of the wind and sun also drive the cycle of evaporation and rainfall, which creates the basis of hydropower.
Bill Mashburn, Virginia Tech Extension specialist, technical resources, explained how the sun's energy can be used in houses.
"A solar heating system captures a small amount of
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