Electricity From the Sun - Sunlight helps all living things grow. Energy from
sunlight is called solar energy. Solar energy makes it possible for plants,
animals and people to live on Earth. The Earth is basically a huge solar
energy collector because it collects the energy from the sun.  {Read more}

Solar and Electric Cars - Renewable energy was used for transportation long
before any other energy source.  For hundreds of thousands of years, humans
used only their own energy to get around, like walking and running.  Later,
they learned to use animals to get around like riding horses, camels, donkeys,
or even elephants! People and animals get their energy from food. Since the
energy in food comes from sunlight, food is a form of renewable energy. 
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Solar Electricity Works for Texas - From pocket calculators to hi-tech telecommunications equipment, photovoltaic (PV) systems are a viable and cost-effective power source for many uses. First developed for use in the U.S. space program, PV power now costs only a fraction of what it once did. Decreasing costs along with greater dependability and ease of use have led to greater acceptance of the technology.  {Read more}

Learning About Photovoltaic Systems - Solar energy can be part of a mixture of clean, renewable energy sources used to meet Texans’ need for electricity. An area the size of the United States receives more solar energy in less than 40 minutes than can be generated from all of the fossil fuels (oil, gas, etc.) used in the United States in one year. Texas has thousands of square miles that could be safely and efficiently used for solar power plants.  {Read more}

Feasibility of Photovoltaic Systems - Photovoltaic (PV) energy generating systems (or PV systems) convert the sun’s energy directly into electricity using state-of-the-art semiconductor materials. PV systems vary in complexity. Some are called “stand-alone” or “off-grid” systems, which means they are the sole source of power to a home, water pump or other load. Standalone systems can be designed to run with or without battery backup.  {Read more}

Solar Water Heaters - Have you ever turned on the outdoor water faucet expecting cold water to come out but got hot water instead?  You have just experienced a solar water heater. Solar water heaters can be as simple as a garden hose left in the sun or as complex as multiple glass-plated solar collectors filled with a fluid.  {Read more}

Solar Water Heaters for Swimming Pools - In some parts of Texas, using the sun to heat a swimming pool is an effective way to use solar energy. Solar pool heaters can be connected to the pool’s existing water circulation system.  They can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, need very little maintenance and can sometimes allow people to swim during months that are usually too cold to swim.  {Read more}

Cooking With the Sun - Most of you know how it can be hot enough to fry an egg on the pavement. But have you ever seriously considered actually cooking with the sun? In some parts of the world, solar cooking is very popular. In Texas it works just as well and can be used for everything from picnics to everyday cooking.  {Read more}