Solar Energy Education for Kids

Solar energy is the energy that comes from the sun. Solar energy is probably the most important energy on earth. It heats the earth and helps plants to grow. Solar energy can also be harnessed to power electronic devices.

Solar Radiation

Solar energy comes to us in the form of sunshine, a source of heat and light. The sun is the star known as Sol and is the center of our solar system.

Importance of Sunshine

Sunshine is the primary source of light for our entire planet. Without sunlight there would be no life on earth. Plants depend on it to live and animals depend on the plants for food.

Heats the Earth

Sunlight and the atmosphere keep our earth within livable temperatures. The moon gets a comparable amount of sunlight but has no atmosphere, so the temperatures on it are unlivable.

Light to Energy

The energy that reaches us from the sun can be converted for other uses. Solar cells can directly convert sunshine into electricity. This is how satellites, space stations, solar cars and even homes can get power from the sun.

Sunshine to Heat

Using the heat from the sunshine it is also possible to heat homes, water or just about anything else.

References

• Solar Energy: Students and Educators

Resources

• Department of Energy: Solar Home Basics