Are We Making The Most Of Solar Energy?

Most definitely not, but the use of solar powered devices, cars and heating systems is increasing as more ways are being sought to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. Solar energy is a completely renewable and safe form of energy that does not produce pollution and so is extremely good for the environment.

The Sun's radiation is responsible for virtually all of the energy that exists on Earth. There are a few organisms in deep ocean trenches and vents that convert chemicals there to gain energy, but more organisms depend on the process of photosynthesis, which harnesses the Sun's energy to form sugars in plants.

Every second, 170000000000000000 joules of energy reaches the Earth from the Sun – that is the equivalent of the entire global energy requirement predicted for the year 2010 – so if we could harness just a second's worth, our energy problems would be solved.