They have simply followed traditions where the heat from the sun was welcomed at certain times of the year, and thermal mass was used to store that heat. Those traditional buildings are still being constructed in many nations, simply because of limited access to electricity.

More importantly for those of us in developed nations, is to better utilise an energy that is free, unlimited and produces no pollution. Best of all is sitting in a sun-filled room in the middle of Winter enjoying the warmth.

Now for the facts-

Only about 10% of the suns radiated energy hits the earth in the form of sunlight, the rest dissipates into the solar system before it reaches us, but even then it provides more energy that we could ever use- on a clear day it can produce up to 1000 watts of energy per square metre.

Depending on where you are on earth, how close you are to the equator, and the time of year, you will have access to more or less of the suns energy, which will in turn influence the efficiency of solar technologies.

The equator is where the highest levels of solar radiation are found and as we move farther away across the latitudes it gradually decreases. During the winter months the earth is slightly further away from the sun, also influencing the levels of solar radiation, also known as 'insolation'. Clouds, pollution, smoke and local conditions also play a part in the amount of sunlight that reaches us.

The most popular uses for solar energy at the moment are in producing electricity, heating hot water, and also of course passive solar energy that can be used to heat our homes without any technology at all.

Home from The Facts About Solar Energy

Solar Energy . Saving Energy