Different forms of solar power

The first way to look at solar energy is by how it is converted into useful energy. There are two types in this first group...

Passive Solar Energy
Active Solar Energy

The second way look at solar energy is by the type of energy it is converted into. There are three types in this second group...

Solar Thermal Energy
Photovoltaic Solar Power
Concentrating Solar Power

Let's take a closer look at these five types of solar power...

Passive Solar Energy

Passive solar energy refers to the harnessing of the sun's energy without the use of mechanical devices. Using south-facing windows to provide natural lighting and heat for your home are examples of passive solar energy.

There are several solar applications a homeowner can use to take advantage of passive solar energy...

Passive solar heating
Passive cooling
Daylighting

Active solar energy uses mechanical devices in the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for your home. For example, in active solar energy water heating systems, pumps are used to circulate water through the system.

There are several solar applications a homeowner can use to take advantage of active solar energy...

Active solar space heating
Active solar water heating
Active solar pool heating

Solar thermal energy is the energy created by converting solar energy into heat.
There are several solar applications a homeowner can use to take advantage of solar thermal energy...

Solar space heating
Solar water heating
Solar pool heating
Solar thermal cooling

Photovoltaic solar power is the energy created by converting solar energy into electricity using photovoltaic solar cells.

There are several solar applications a homeowner can use to take advantage of photovoltaic solar power...

Solar electricity
Photovoltaic cooling
Photovoltaic solar lighting

Concentrating solar power is a type of solar thermal energy that is used to generate solar power electricity.

This technology is aimed at large-scale energy production. Because of this, as a homeowner, you won't use concentrated solar power directly, but could take advantage of it through a green-pricing service offered by your regulated utility or an alternative energy supplier.

When considering solar energy for your home, look at the many different types of solar energy available to you.
You'll find that getting started with solar energy is easier than you think!

To learn more check out this site: http://www.heliopower.com/residential