People think that solar power cars are only a thing of the future. Yet, they are right on the horizon for use on the highways of American and other countries. Each year, the solar power cars that race across various countries prove that the concept is viable and can work for everyone.

The idea at this time is not to do away completely with other fuel sources for cars on the world’s highways. Simply supplementing the use of traditional fuel will save both the environment and the economy a great deal each and every year.

Today, the solar power cars used in the races are run only on solar power and therefore are rather odd in appearance. Because they are designed to collect the most solar energy in order to gain the speed and obtain the efficiency desired, the solar cells are large and often cover the entire vehicle. In commercial applications, however, the solar cells can be much smaller and rather well disguised to make the vehicle attractive as well as efficient.

With energy sources depleting and costs rising, we are being forced to look into alternatives that can meet our needs. The amount of energy needed to supply our needs is huge and it has been hard to find an energy source that can meet those needs and not be depleted. The best option that has been found is solar energy.

Solar energy is harnessing the sun to make energy. The sun is a free, renewable energy source. It is widely available and the ability to capture the sun’s energy has been greatly improved through research and study.

Solar energy comes from the sun. A biology class will tell you that in addition to affecting climate and weather, sunlight provides the energy that sustains most life on earth. It also can be harness to provide heating, lighting and electricity. Solar power has become a hot topic currently, but this technology is nothing new, Native Americans, people in China and even the early Greeks have historically turned their buildings to the sun for heat.

These early architects were using what is referring as passive solar energy. This technique makes the best use of regular building materials to trap heat with no additional mechanical equipment used. Floors, windows and roofs play a role in attracting or deflecting the sun’s rays.

Lets contemplate the benefits to be of green home energy including passive solar energy and the micro-generation of renewable energy for homes amongst others.

Every 15 minutes the sun produces enough power to supply our current energy needs for an entire year. Because of its distance from the equator, the United Kingdom only receives 60% of the solar energy received at the equator. This energy equates to between 900 to 1200 kWh per square meter per year.. This energy is equivalent to the energy production of 1000 power stations.

At present solar energy remains one of the most expensive forms of renewable energy because of the high cost of solar cells. However, you can still save some money on your energy bills by creating your own low cost solar energy panel which can power virtually any appliance in your home, even a computer and a TV.

It will cost you less than $300, with the bulk of the cost accounted for by the solar panel itself. You will also need a 12-volt rechargeable battery which will store the energy generated by the solar panel and is where the appliances will be plugged in.