Solar energy is that is produced by the sun. Solar energy makes life on earth possible for all plants, animals and human beings. The sun's energy powers all plant life. We use solar energy indirectly when we burn fossil fuels such as coal and oil which are the remnants of plants which died and decayed millions of years ago. We are using ?ancient sunlight? when we burn fossil fuels. Unfortunately, the byproducts of burning this ancient sunlight are not only heat energy, but also carbon dioxide and other pollutants. It is a better solution to use ?current sunlight?.

Passive solar energy has been used since the start of civilization for basic human needs: drying food, heating water, baking bricks and lighting buildings and dwellings. The technological world still has a need for passive solar energy, but today's increasing demand for energy in the form of electricity can also be met by converting into electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells.

"Solar Power 101", the video produced by Endependence.info, introduces homeowners, commercial building owners and builders to the basic concepts of turning sunlight into electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells. There are two main components in PV systems. One is a collection of photovoltaic cells which are referred to as solar panels or PV panels. The other is the inverter that converts the direct current (D/C) energy of sunlight to the alternating current (A/C) which powers our electrified world. Sometimes there is a battery storage system.

Most PV systems installed in the United States and Europe are tied into the existing electrical distribution grid (grid-tied PV systems). In countries that are still developing their electricity grid, PV systems often stand alone and may be the only source of electricity. India has the highest number of PV systems in the world (more than 700,000) but they are mostly not tied into the electricity grid.

When sunlight strikes a solar panel, it knocks electrons loose from the atoms of silicon inside the panels. These free electrons move from one side of the solar panel to the other, creating electricity. This electricity moves through a wire into a unit called an inverter, which turns it into the type of electricity typically used in a household i.e. A/C (alternating current). Just like the electricity received from the utility company, this can be used to power appliances, heating and cooling equipment and lighting systems.

Solar panels can be mounted on roof tops or on ground or pole mounts. The ground and pole mounts are a good solution if the roof area is not facing south/southwest or if there are shading issues. Solar panels need direct sunlight to work efficiently. There are some solar panels which are fitted with devices that permit them to track the sun during the day so that they get maximum exposure to direct sunlight.

About the author: Frank McCarthy, a Local Action Coordinator at Endependence.info, says that by visiting the website anyone can explore energy issues from a 30,000 foot view down to street level. You can find solutions to your energy challenges by using Endependence.info's , , and , sections. Any visitor to the site can also sign the of Endependence where people share the ways they are saving energy. Endependence.info is a Local Action Network that encourages people, businesses and the government to work together to find solutions to energy challenges. If you have a question about any energy issue, visit Endependence.info!