Solar energyis harnessing the sun’s light and heat and using it as a source of energy. The amount of solar energy reaching the earth’s surface in a year amounts to about twice that obtained from non- renewable resources such as natural gas, oil, coal, and mined uranium put together. Plants use just a fraction of this natural resource during photosynthesis to produce their food.

The technology of transforming solar radiation into energy falls into two types: active and passive. The active technique uses solar panels fitted with photo-voltaic cells to convert solar radiation to productive energy. The passive method involves construction design features like positioning windows in a building to garner optimum sunlight, designing of space for natural air circulation, and utilizing thermal friendly materials like stone and earth in order to utilize this energy source.