Solar Thermal Collector Solar Water heaters are one type of solar thermal collector. Water flows through black tubing in a black, insulated box with a glass top, which traps sunlight, heating the water inside-even in water! Solar thermal collectors are one of the most efficient means of using solar energy. A solar oven is another solar thermal collector that uses the sun’s energy for cooking food.

Chemical Energy Plants absorb energy directly from the sun through a chemical process called photosynthesis.

Plants In this process, plants use light energy from the sun, carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil or air to manufacture chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates (food). The chemical energy stored in plants can be used by humans as food, or it can be used as fuel (e.g. wood).

Fossil Fuels Petroleum, coal, and natural gas are fossil fuels. They come from the plants and animals that have been trapped underground for millions of years. Fossil fuels are the most common source of energy in our society.

Fossil Fuels Fossil fuels will not last forever. It took millions of years to form them. We are using these fuel reserves much faster than they can be renewed. Therefore, fossil fuels are called non-renewable resources. Solar energy is renewed at the same rate that we use them. Therefore, solar energy is called renewable energy.