Solar

What solar means

Solar is simply the light and heat that the Sun emits. When we talk about "solar" in energy contexts, we mean the portion of that radiation that can be harvested by technology – either to warm water, space, or to generate electricity.

How it works

Solar energy reaches the Earth as electromagnetic waves. A solar panel (photovoltaic module) contains semiconductor cells that absorb photons and release electrons, creating an electric current. A solar thermal collector, on the other hand, absorbs the Sun’s heat directly to warm a fluid, which can then be used for hot water or space heating.

Why it matters

• Renewable: The Sun provides an essentially limitless supply of energy.
• Low emissions: Using solar reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse‑gas emissions.
• Cost‑effective: After the upfront investment, the fuel – sunlight – is free, and operating costs are minimal.

A concrete example

A typical 5 kW rooftop photovoltaic system in Israel, which receives an average solar irradiance of about 5.5 kWh m⁻² day⁻¹, can generate roughly 7,500 kWh of electricity per year. That amount can power a family of four, offsetting around 3 t of CO₂ emissions annually.

Solar in Israel

Israel enjoys one of the world’s highest solar potentials. The country’s sunny climate yields an average of 2,500–3,000 kWh m⁻² of solar energy each year, making solar power an attractive option for both residential rooftops and large‑scale solar farms. Government incentives and net‑metering policies have spurred rapid growth, with the installed solar capacity surpassing 4 GW as of 2023.

Bottom line

Solar is the harnessable energy from the Sun, captured through photovoltaic panels or thermal collectors. It offers a clean, abundant, and increasingly affordable way to meet electricity and heating needs, especially in sun‑rich regions like Israel.