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Solar Energy

Radiant energy emitted by the sun

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is radiant energy that is emitted by the sun which provides goods and services to a specific locale.  The most well known products of solar energy conversion are hot water and electricity from solar thermal and photovoltaics. To generate electricity, solar panels, also known as PV panels or Photovoltaic panels, capture this light and generate a direct current of electricity. In addition to solar panels, there are also solar hot-water collectors in which the devices concentrate solar energy and convert it to thermal energy in order to heat a water supply.

Where is the Solar Industry heading?

Solar energy for electric power is making major changes in society at national and state levels. In 2016, solar jobs grew 12 times faster than the U.S. economy, solar employed more people in the electricity generation sector than oil/coal/natural gas combined, and more solar generating capacity was added to the grid than any other new energy segment. In complement, academic institutions like Penn State are observing rapid annual increases in demand for higher education for solar careers: project economics, solar systems design, community solar strategies, and renewable policy development. Collectively, these changes will be vital to local economic growth, environmental protection, and electrical grid resiliency in Pennsylvania."
​
- Dr. Jeffrey R. S. Brownson. Director, Solar Ecology program, EMS Energy Institute and Assoc. Prof. Energy and Mineral Engineering

Learn More about Dr. Brownson

Solar Societies at Penn State:

American Solar Energy Society

Solar Research at Penn State:
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Penn State University Solar
Solar Ecology
All Seeing Eye (ASE)
Solar Beer and Wine
Community Solar
Penn State Solar Network

Relevant Undergraduate Coursework:

EGEE 437: Design of Solar Energy Conversion Systems

Graduate Masters / Certificate Options:

Solar Energy Certifcate
R.E.S.S. Masters Program

Graduate Coursework:

EME 810: Solar Resource Assessment and Economics
EME 811: ​Solar Thermal Energy for Utilities and Industry
Eme 812: Utility Solar Power and Concentration
AE 862: Distributed Energy Planning and Management
AE 868: Commercial Solar Electric Systems
AE 878: Solar project development and finance

Solar PV and Solar Thermal:

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  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Solar Energy
    • Wind Energy
    • Hydropower
    • Geothermal Energy
    • Biofuels
    • Fossil Fuels
    • Energy Storage
    • Energy Efficiency
  • Our Members
    • Undergraduates
    • Graduates
  • Activities
  • Sponsors
  • Contact