Sunlight Bathes the Earth

Sunshine pours over our planet, to greater or lesser degrees depending on the season and geographical location. Similarly, the amount of solar heat that can be collected will vary depending on those same factors.

This point is illustrated by the fact that, for example, Japan receives about half the amount of solar radiation that falls on the northern Sahara, and that Sweden receives again half of Japan's allotment.

Sweden is famous — as are its neighbors — for its short winter days and long winter nights. Yet this northern nation is taking bold measures to protect the environment and ensure sustainability by completely terminating its generation of nuclear power and broadly promoting the use of natural energy sources, including solar energy and wind power.

Photosynthesis processes sunlight at an efficiency rate of between 0.2% and 2%. Human ingenuity has increased that rate to about 20% with photovoltaic technology, and it is generally estimated that the level can again be raised to between 20% and 80% for use in heating home and other interiors.

The climate map shown here indicates the varying amounts of sunlight availability worldwide. Regardless of geographical location, the sunshine that is available can be used as a heat source. The point is to make the most of what we have, no matter where we're situated.

World Weather Patterns (average temperatures, rainfall, sunlight availability)

Appropriate "passive" technologies are adopted for compatibility with local climate and weather patterns.

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