However, don t simply take my word for it. Instead, check these different solar energy figures and statistics and see for yourself if whether solar energy is indeed everything that people are claiming it to be. Is Solar Energy Systems Financially Viable? One of the main things that people look at when it comes to alternative sources of energy is whether it is financially viable or not. Active solar energy involves the use of mechanical devices in collecting, storing and distributing solar energy inside the home. Pumps, for example, are used in active solar energy water heating systems to circulate the water through the system. There are plenty of solar applications that a homeowner can use to get the most out of active solar energy. More and more countries are investing in the bigger photovoltaic power stations, like Germany and Portugal. More Solar Power Terrestrial solar power is a predictable and intermittent source of energy, which means even though solar power is not readily available all the time, people can still predict it using a certain degree of accuracy when the energy source will or will not be available. People living in tropical areas or desert regions can rely on solar panels. However, those who experience very long winter months may not get the best effects. Things to Power Nowadays, solar energy can power a variety of objects such as homes, offices, cars, small light fixtures, toys and calculators. Know Your Solar Energy System Before anything else, the very first thing that you must do is you must make sure that you know what different solar energy systems there are that you can choose from. Basically, there are two different types of solar energy systems, and those are the photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal systems. There are now several devices and structures created which focus and concentrate solar power in various ways depending on the needed use. There are several now several uses of solar power because of the rise of these devices. On Concentration Solar power is concentrated in various ways. Solar troughs are the most common and visible.