Solar Energy

Solar energy is the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun that reaches Earth. It is the most abundant energy resource on the planet — in just one hour, the sun delivers enough energy to Earth’s surface to power the entire world for a year. Solar energy can be harnessed for electricity (using photovoltaic panels) or for heating (using solar thermal systems).

In the context of residential solar, solar energy refers specifically to the electricity generated by rooftop or ground-mounted photovoltaic panels. The amount of solar energy available at a given location depends on geographic latitude, local climate, time of year, and time of day. Solar energy production is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or megawatt-hours (MWh). The Southwestern United States receives the most solar radiation, but solar panels work effectively in every state — even cloudy regions like the Pacific Northwest produce significant solar energy. Solar energy is clean, produces zero emissions during generation, requires minimal maintenance, and provides predictable electricity costs for 25+ years. It is the foundation of the growing US transition toward renewable energy and energy independence.