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Solar energy

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

Solar panels used to collect heat from the sun for hot water systems.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is the light and heat we get from the Sun. We can catch this energy using special tools to do many helpful things. For example, we can use it to make electricity, heat water, or even help buildings stay warm and bright.

There are two main ways we use solar energy: passive and active. Passive solar means designing buildings to let in natural light and keep the heat. This can make a house feel cozy without using extra power. Active solar uses special machines, like panels that turn sunlight into electricity. These panels are often seen on rooftops.

The Sun gives our Earth lots of energy every day. This energy helps plants grow, keeps our planet warm, and creates weather like wind and rain. We can use solar energy in many ways to help us live better and take care of our world. It is a clean way to get power because it does not make dirty smoke or hurt the air.

Solar energy is a kind of renewable energy. This means we will always have it because the Sun will keep shining. Using solar energy can help countries feel safer about their power. It also helps keep our air clean and protects our planet by stopping some kinds of pollution.

One fun fact is that scientists have made cars that can drive using only sunlight! These cars race long distances, showing how powerful solar energy can be. Solar panels are also used on boats and even airplanes, helping them travel without using fuel.

Solar energy is friendly to our world and can help us use less of other kinds of power. It is bright, warm, and always available when the Sun shines!

Images

A beautiful sunset view of the Gulf of Mexico as seen from the International Space Station.
Map showing areas on Earth with the most sunlight, helpful for learning about solar energy.
A world map showing solar energy resources, helping us understand how much sunlight different areas receive for generating clean energy.
Children can learn about clean water methods: Solar water disinfection in Indonesia uses clear plastic bottles to make water safe to drink.
Solar panels installed on the roof of Airedale Hospital, showing how renewable energy is used to power buildings.
A sustainable house design from the 2007 Solar Decathlon competition at Darmstadt University of Technology in Germany.
Greenhouses in Westland growing plants and vegetables.
Nuna 7, a solar-powered car that won the 2013 World Solar Challenge, showcasing innovative clean energy technology.
A small aircraft, HB-SIA, makes its first short test flight in December 2009, marking an exciting step in aviation history.
A solar-powered car on display at an environmental technology event in Amsterdam.
Scientists testing new solar technology that helps power plants use less fuel.
A solar-powered house designed by MIT, showing solar panels on the roof to collect energy from the sun.

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This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Solar energy, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.