What is Solar energy?
[[Image:Insolation.png|thumb|right|250px|The top diagram shows how the strength of sunlight is less nearer the Earth's poles. The lower map shows how much solar energy hits the Earth's surface after clouds and dust must have reflected and absorbed some solar energy. ]] [[File:SolarGIS-Solar-map-Europe-en.png|thumb|250px|Solar Radiation Map: Global Horizontal Irradiation in Europe]] '''Solar energy''' is a type of [[energy]] that comes from the sun's heat. People have been using solar energy for thousands of years in different ways, such as heating, cooking, and drying. Nowadays, it is also used to create electricity in areas where other sources of power are not available, such as remote locations and even outer space. The cost of generating electricity from solar energy is decreasing, making it a more affordable option. Since the sun provides heat and light constantly, solar energy is considered a renewable energy source and an alternative to non-renewable resources like coal and oil. ==Energy uses== Solar energy is used in various ways today, including: * As a source of [[heat]] for [[Water heating|making hot water]], heating buildings and [[Wine|cooking]] * To generate [[electricity]] through the use of [[photovoltaics|solar cells]] or [[heat engine]]s * To [[Desalination|take the salt away from]] sea water, making it drinkable. * To use sun rays for drying clothes and towels. *It is used by plants for the process of [[photosynthesis]]. * To use in cooking ([[Solar cooker|Solar cookers]]). == Energy from the Sun == After passing through the Earth's [[atmosphere]], most of the Sun's energy is in the form of [[visible light]] and [[Infrared|infrared light]] radiation. [[Plant]]s convert the energy in sunlight into chemical energy (sugars and starches) through the process of [[photosynthesis]]. Humans regularly use this store of energy in various ways, as when they burn wood off [[fossil fuel]]s, or when simply [[eating]] plants, fish and animals. [[Solar radiation]] reaches the Earth's upper atmosphere with