It is an important source of renewable energy and its technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they capture and distribute solar energy or convert it into solar power. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic systems, concentrated solar power and solar water heating to harness the energy. Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air. COUNT 3
QSN1 What are the technologies used to capture solar energy characterized as? ANS1 passive solar or active solar QSN2 What are some active solar techniques used to harness solar energy? ANS2 photovoltaic systems, concentrated solar power and solar water heating QSN3 What is an example of a passive solar technique? ANS3 orienting a building to the Sun