Roadside telephones, parking metres, flashing road signs and lights in bus shelters can all run on solar power. Houses, flats, offices and schools can all use solar energy to meet their energy needs.

 

 

 

 

 

Some schools are powered by the Sun.

Schools spend about three times more on energy than on books! Using solar power means there could be more money for books. The Star School in Arizona, USA, is completely powered by solar energy. It provides all the school’s power needs, keeps fridges cold and heats up lunches.

 

 

 

This building uses solar power.

Solar panels can have two uses. Firstly, they are used to generate electricity. Secondly, they can be used to shade the inside of the building. This stops the building from becoming too hot in the summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy from the Sun can be used to light a building.

Sunlight can be used to light and warm a building the daytime. This type of energy is called passive solar energy. It reduces the use of electricity, which may come from burning fuels. Some buildings are specially designed to trap solar energy in this way.