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Clean Energy Solutions: Solar Power Introduction | Solar Power | Wind Energy | Fuel Cells Energy Efficiency | Conclusions Harnessing the clean, abundant energy of the sun would allow us to meet our energy needs without polluting our environment. Solar energy can be directly converted into usable energy through a variety of processes -- solar water heating, passive solar heating and cooling, photovoltaic technology, and solar thermal technology. Solar water heating uses a solar collector to absorb the sun's energy and then heat water in a solar tank. Passive solar heating and cooling work within a building's design, without requiring additional mechanical equipment, to maximize natural energy flows and optimize landscaping methods to increase heat gain in the winter and decrease it in the summer. Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into direct current electricity and consist of solar cells. These cells are wired together to form modules which are sealed and wired together to form panels. These panels are grouped together to form an array. A solar array can cheaply convert sunlight into electricity to meet demands for power without polluting our air. New solar technology is emerging on a yearly basis. Today rooftop solar panels can largely offset the electricity demands of homes and buildings. In summer months they often generate more electricity than their owners can use, allowing the surplus to be sold to electric utilities to reduce the need for generation from dirty, fossil fuel fired power plants. NEXT Up to Top HOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | © 2008 Sierra Club