Solar Energy: Introduction, Trading, Investment, Risk & Example

In this article, we will talk about the concept of Solar Energy. Topics covered will include Types of Solar Energy, Sectors of Solar Energy, Solar Energy Companies, Investments in Solar Energy and what the various countries across the globe are doing for Solar Energy.
Let's start with the basics.

What is Solar Energy?
Energy itself can never be considered Solar. What it refers to is the source of the energy. Hence, when we talk about Solar Energy, we emphasize the fact that the energy has been sourced from the Sun or the centerpoint of the solar system. However, it does not mean that equipments like Solar Heaters and others are the only instruments to use solar energy. The benefit of Solar Energy is that it is portable, hence the power or energy generated from Solar Energy can be stored in batteries and can be used later. It may be used in car batteries, for illumination purposes, for heating, etc.
Now here is an interesting fact - only a minute amount of Solar Energy actually available is used by us. Rest all is actually not used, i.e. a source which is wasted.

What are the various types of Solar Energy?
Solar Energy can be of various type, depending on the source. Geothermal energy, Wind energy, Solar energy, Nuclear Power energy, and Hydroelectric energy are some of the examples of various types of Solar energy. Though some people may differ on the inclusion of nuclear energy because it is harmful to individual if it goes uncontrolled. However, when used with the right precaution, Nuclear energy is one of the most environment friendly sources. So it is generally considered as a Solar Energy.
Then, taking a step further, some also consider Anaerobic Digestion & Incineration Of Waste also as a form of Solar Energy.

Where is Solar Energy used?
As like any other form of energy, since Solar energy can be stored, it can be used for multiple forms whichever may require energy. Common examples include heating, electric power supply, light energy, and so on. Not only that, effective use of Solar Energy has found usage in Agriculture, Horticulture and even Greenhouse effects. Water Treatment (to make sea water potable) and cooking (Solar Cooker) are other usage of Solar energy. Solar chemical processes use solar energy to drive chemical reactions. Solar energy is also used to run solar vehicles.

Related: Solar Panels: Sources, Installation, Technology Introduction

What are the different types of Solar Techniques?
As per Wikipedia, "Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive or active depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight. Active solar techniques use photovoltaic panels, pumps, and fans to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar techniques include selecting materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces that naturally circulate air, and referencing the position of a building to the Sun."

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Which countries are actively using Solar Energy?
Solar Energy is being used across the globe. obviously the countries which receive a lot of sunlight would benefit from the solar energy, provided they have proper infrastructure to tap that energy. That's why, though African countries receive a lot of sunlight, the usage is low there. US is a big user of solar energy, and so are some of the European countries like Spain and Portugal