There are many different ways to make use of the light and heat energy emitted by the sun. Some common ideas include:

- Taking advantage of the heat given off by the sun to regulate home temperature (passive solar energy)

- Thermal solar collectors: with the use of mirrors, the suns energy can be intensified and used to heat water or air

- Photovoltaic cells: sun light can be converted into electricity to be used in the home

Passive Solar Power: this simply refers to taking advantage of and controlling the heat and light displaced by the sun. When done properly and effectively, this can have a great impact on your monthly utility bills. Some easy things that can be done to ensure your home makes the most of the passive power of the sun:

- The most important step in taking advantage of the suns heat is to have a well insulated home. Ensuring that walls, ceilings, and floors are adequately insulated can have a tremendous effect on maintaining a constant home temperature. Also check for insulation in spots such as around windows, doors, and electrical outlets.

- Another effective technique for keeping warm air in or cold air out is using curtains. Similarly, window shutters or clear insulating strips can also do a good job at regulating inside temperatures.

- Strategically placed vegetation, both inside and outside can help prevent heat from entering your home. When placed around windows or door ways, plants serve as a sort of heat barrier and can surprisingly keep a house quite cool in the summer. In addition to this, plants also provide fresh air, which is a nice thing to have!

Anyone who has been outside on a warm, muggy summers day can realize the amazing amount of heat displaced by the sun. With the proper tools, it is easy to take advantage of this energy to heat water or even a house.

With the help of a device known as a thermal collector, it is possible to use the suns high temperature output to heat water or air. A thermal collector essentially houses metal plates covered by a sheet of glass. The warmth is absorbed by these plates and then transferred to the substance that needs to be heated. This substance can then be collected in a well insulated storage tank or used immediately.

In conclusion, light can also be converted to electricity through the use of photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar panels. A very basic description of what happens inside these panels is that the light displaced by the sun causes a reaction within the cells, resulting in charged electrons. These can then be used directly as electricity in a home, or stored in a deep cycle battery for later use.

About the author: Miles Novak is an experienced writer in the field of home energy. Check out his site for more info on Do it Yourself products and Home Energy Solutions.