You can use windows that face south to give you natural light and additional heat for the home. There are many solar applications that a homeowner can rely on to get the most benefits out of passive solar energy like passive cooling, passive solar heating and daylighting. Active solar energy involves the use of mechanical devices in collecting, storing and distributing solar energy inside the home. Solar Thermal Systems Solar thermal systems, on the other hand, simply generate heat, and are well-suited for boilers, furnaces and water heaters, as this type of system allows you to make heat using direct solar energy at a much lower cost as compared to using conventional energy and electricity. However, if you want to retrofit your home with one of these solar thermal systems, you need to sacrifice a little bit of space in your home. The enhanced intensity of the sunlight over the atmosphere also tends to boost the generation efficiency. About Solar Energy Solar energy, heat and radiant light that emanates from the sun have been controlled by humans beginning the ancient periods using a wide range of evolving technologies. Solar radiation, together with secondary solar-powered resources like biomass, wind, wave and hydroelectricity are accountable for majority of the available renewable energy on Earth. The Benefits If you choose to use solar panels, you can produce electricity that can power various applications. Off-grid living means residing in a location where the main electric utility grid does not service your home or office. There are remote cabins and homes that can benefit from solar power systems. On Purchasing Purchasing solar power systems may be more expensive for first-time buyers. Those who have been used to the old system may have to spend more initially. Overall, the cost for maintenance begins to taper down because the sun is readily available and free. Some people, especially those coming from the third world countries may not have available solar cell panels ready for purchase. This was during the 1950 s. PV cells weren t actually an affordable solar energy source back then, however, due to its practical use in the satellite industry, the solar energy cell industry became sustainable. PV cells serve as the main fuel source for satellites out in space. Solar Energy Today Nowadays, in our more technologically advanced times, solar energy has now garnered a lot of renewed interest and focus, especially since solar energy has now become more affordable, and offers more use and application in our modern day needs.