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Solar power is one of the more promising forms of renewable energy. Ah, but is it still promising for all those people that live in a cold climate?

Energy is a major issue in modern society & it’s only going to become more so as the years pass. Fossil fuels are high pollutants that appear to be a primary cause of global warming. Some dispute this, but there is little doubt the byproducts of using fossil fuels are unhealthy for us.

What is undisputable & often brushed under the rug is the fact that fossil fuels are finite. In actual fact, peak oil production is topping out this year, 2007. From here on out, we will produce less & less oil until we run out of it around the end of this century. And you thought gas prices were high now! With all of this starting to come to a head, solar energy is one form of renewable energy that is getting a new look.

Solar energy is simply the conversion of the energy in the sun into a useful form. It can sometimes be used to heat water, but most people think of panel systems used to produce electricity. Some states are behind the times while others such as California are putting billions into solar & other renewable energy forms.

Ah, but what if you live in a cold climate? Aren’t you excluded from using solar as a power source? No!

Solar power is derived from the energy inherent in sunlight. A days worth of sun light contains enough energy to meet our needs for an entire year. The energy capture, how ever, is one based closely on a chemical reaction. It’s not heat oriented or sensitive. A solar panel receiving the same amount of sun light will produce the same electrical current whether the temperature is ninety degrees or nine. In short, it does not matter if you live in a cold climate. The real issue is the amount of sun light you receive.

If you still have doubts about the temperature issue, consider the most famous use of solar panels. Frankly, it’s out of this world. Yes, I’m talking about NASA. The space agency uses solar panels to power its satellites & exploratory vehicles. There is more. Those rovers on Mars? Powered by solar panels. So… Space is just about as cold as it gets, so solar panels obvious must work regardless of temperature.

If you live in a cold climate, do not discount using solar panels for your energy needs. As long as you receive plenty of sunlight, they will do the job & save you a bundle on your utility bill.

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com - information on DIY heating passive solar.

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