Quick Facts about Solar Energy

• “Solar” is the Latin word for “sun.”

• The sun provides energy in two forms – light and heat. The sun can be used to heat water in our homes and businesses. It can also produce electricity. Energy produced by the sun is called solar power.

• Since the beginning of mankind we have used the energy of the sun to dry clothes and food, but it wasn't until 1954 that scientists in the United States worked out a way to use the sun to create electricity.

• Sunlight that shines on the Earth in just one hour could meet world energy demand for an entire year!

• Various types of solar thermal devices are now available in the country these includes solar water heaters, solar cookers, solar stills, solar dryers etc. apart from these devices, solar energy is also being used particularly in the colder areas of the country for space heating by including solar passive features in the buildings; and for agriculture by utilizing solar greenhouses.

• In the 1830s, explorer John Herschel used a solar collector to cook food during an adventure in Africa.