Energy resources: solar energy

Energy from sources other than fossil and nuclear fuels is to a large extent free of the concerns about environmental effects and renewability that characterize those two sources. Each alternative source supplies energy continually, whether or not we use it, and most have their origins in energy generated outside the Earth, yet the potential of each is limited by its total supply set against its rate of use. The Sun will radiate energy until it ceases thermonuclear fusion, in around 5 billion years. This free course, Energy resources: solar energy, explores the Sun as a potential source of usable energy.

• Introduction
• Learning outcomes
• 1 Solar energy
• 1 Solar energy
• 2 Solar thermal energy
• 2 Solar thermal energy
• 3 Photovoltaic conversion of solar energy
• 3 Photovoltaic conversion of solar energy
• 4 The future of direct solar energy use
• 4 The future of direct solar energy use
• 5 Biomass conversion of solar energy
• 5 Biomass conversion of solar energy
• Conclusion
• Acknowledgements