Solar energy is the use of sunlight for heating or generating electricity. Solar energy is a renewable energy source since it is replenished by natural processes and it is also considered an alternative energy source since it is not in widespread use at the moment

• The use of the sun to heat buildings through proper positioning and allowing the sun to warm the building in winter is called passive solar heating..
• Photovoltaic (PV) technology is how solar energy is transformed into electricity.

Solar Energy is better for the environment than traditional forms of energy. Energy production is very likely a major contributor to climate change. In the U.S., our energy related activities account for three quarters of our human generated greenhouse gas emissions, mostly in the form of carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels. More than half the energy related emissions come from large stationary sources such as power plants. Using solar energy is both renewable and cleaner for the environment.

Additional Resources

http://livinggreen.ifas.ufl.edu/energy/renewable_energy.html#solar