What is solar energy?

When asking, ‘what is solar energy?’ it's worth first asking, ‘what is renewable energy?’. In its simplest form, renewable energy is power generated from sources that will never run out - such as the sun, wind and water.

Using renewable energy sources reduces our dependency on traditional energy sources that contribute to climate change; it can also save you money by reducing your energy consumption.

Solar power energy is the energy from the sun, which can be harnessed to produce electricity and heat.

Clearly Solar - Glow-worm's solar thermal energy solution - will provide a typical UK household with 50 to 60% of their domestic hot water in a year.

It's a common misconception that solar thermal energy systems only work when the sun is shining. Solar energy systems work with diffused radiation, so even on a cloudy day you will still get a good level of solar energy from the sun to heat your home.

Solar isn't the only renewable energy available to you - find out more about renewable energy sources here.