With all the information we hear on a daily basis about dangerous ultraviolet rays and the threat of skin damage as a result of overexposure to the sun, it's no wonder that we're a little wary of this omnipresent star. But, the truth is, we can't survive without the sun. And in addition to the warmth it provides our planet, it also holds a wealth of energy; energy that we can use to power our life in an efficient and environmentally responsible way.

A solar heater literally harnesses the energy of the sun. The sun's core holds enormous energy in the form of radiation; the energy that reaches the earth is considered solar energy. Our ability to convert this solar energy into usable, every day energy such as heat and electricity, may one day transform the planet. For now, solar energy continues to be largely experimental among homeowners.

In the case of a solar heater, we literally “collect” the solar energy that makes its way to earth. Flat plate collectors are thin panels that trap, store, and convert solar energy. They are most often placed on the roofs of homes so that their exposure to the sun is consistent. When the sun hits the flat plate collector the solar energy is contained inside and used to heat coils within the collector. These coils heat the surrounding air and the warmed air is pushed through vents to the entire home.

Another style of solar heater is the concentrating collector. A concentrating collector – rather than an immobile unit – moves its panels to follow the sun. Clearly, a design of this type gathers quite a bit more solar energy and is thereby more efficient. Those larger structures that are using solar energy find this type of solar heater far more effective for their purposes.

The greatest benefit of the solar heater – in addition to its enormous environmental impact and efficiency – is the future it promises. A solar heater that heats one home today can mean a future of exclusive solar power; the possibilities are hard to imagine.