What Does Solar Energy Feel Like?

Solar energy is frequently discussed in technical and scientific terms – kilowatts, photovoltaics, payback periods. But what does solar power actually feel like? Beyond the specs and data sheets, how does solar change your lifestyle and your outlook?

This article will explore the tangible yet often overlooked experiential aspects of switching to solar power. We’ll go beyond efficiency statistics and carbon offsets to examine how solar energy can transform your daily life in simple but profound ways.

Table of Contents

Warmth

The feeling of warmth from sunlight on your skin comes from infrared radiation emitted by the sun. When these infrared rays reach your skin, the radiation is absorbed and converted into heat energy, creating a pleasant warming sensation. This is different than the ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn but do not actually heat the skin directly. As explained on Quora, “The warm feeling on your skin is actually infrared radiation. The ultraviolet wavelengths, which cause sunburn, do not warm the skin. You can feel infrared heat from a fire before it burns you.”^[1] The sun’s infrared rays penetrate deep into the skin and provide a soothing warmth that makes sunlight feel rejuvenating.

The Infrared radiation from sunlight is experienced as a gentle heat on the skin’s surface. According to one source, “The feeling of the sun’s warmth on your skin is arguably one of life’s great pleasures.”^[2] The skin contains specialized sensory receptors that detect infrared heat and provide feedback to the brain, creating the pleasant sensory experience of basking in the sun’s warmth. Even on a cool day, stepping into a sunbeam instantly provides a soothing feeling of heat permeating the skin.

In addition to the infrared warmth from the sun, exposure to sunlight also causes a slight increase in skin temperature as a result of visible light absorption. However, this temperature change is minimal compared to the infrared warming effect. The dominant sensation we feel when sunlight hits our skin is the infrared radiation being converted into soothing warmth upon absorption into the skin.

Sources:
[1] https://www.quora.com/When-I-step-into-sunlight-I-feel-a-sensation-of-warmth-on-my-skin-presumably-from-the-energy-contained-in-the-sun-s-photons-Is-there-any-frequency-or-wavelength-of-photon-that-would-make-me-feel-cooler
[2] https://www.naturesbest.co.uk/pharmacy/pharmacy-health-library/how-the-sun-affects-your-skin/

Light

The sun emits a bright, vibrant light that is unmatched by any artificial light source. According to an article on Healthline, “Natural light regulates your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that cycles between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals.”¹ Exposure to bright morning sunlight can help improve sleep and regulate your circadian rhythm.² The positively stimulating effects of natural sunlight may be related to the release of serotonin, the “feel good” neurotransmitter.³ The unique light spectrum of sunlight is simply irreplaceable for our health and wellbeing.

Energy

The power and energy from sunlight can feel truly invigorating. Stepping outside into the warm rays of the sun can provide an instant energizing jolt after being cooped up indoors. Some research suggests that sun exposure increases serotonin, dopamine and endorphins in the brain, boosting mood and providing a feelings of vitality and motivation (https://time.com/4888327/why-sunlight-is-so-good-for-you/). Being outdoors under the sun acts as a natural stimulant that instantly perks you up. The bright light entering through the eyes sends signals to the brain telling your body to be alert and active. This sunlight energy acts like a shot of espresso pumping you up. It’s easy to feel empowered and energized under the radiant glow of the sun.

Growth

Plants rely on solar energy to fuel their growth through the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis converts the sunlight that plants absorb into chemical energy, allowing them to produce nutrients and grow.^[1] There is a clear relationship between solar energy and plant growth – more sunlight exposure results in taller, healthier plants with abundant foliage and flowers.

We can see and feel the effect of solar energy on plant growth in a variety of ways. Lush gardens, green forests, and productive farmland all exhibit the growth that solar energy fuels. The vibrancy of plant life is apparent through sight, smell, texture, and taste. For example, tomatoes grown in a greenhouse with ample sunlight have a deep red color, juicy texture, and sweet flavor – all signs of healthy growth powered by the sun.

Solar farms placed in deserts and other arid locations need to consider their potential impact on regional plant growth and agriculture. Converting these sunny areas to solar panels may negatively affect precipitation levels and plant growth in surrounding regions.^[2] The relationship between solar energy and growth applies not just to individual plants, but entire ecosystems.

Sustainability

The use of solar energy provides a deeply satisfying feeling by utilizing clean, renewable energy from the sun. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, the ability to generate electricity sustainably is crucial. Solar panels allow homes and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels that pollute the environment (Steg, 2015). According to a recent survey, nearly 90% of solar panel owners report being happy with their investment, showing the rewarding nature of utilizing renewable energy sources (Forbes, 2023). The transition to solar power enables people to make a positive environmental impact and take action against climate change. This provides a gratifying sense of doing one’s part to preserve the planet for future generations.

Savings

Nothing feels quite as good as seeing your energy bills go down thanks to solar power. The rewarding feeling of saving money is one of the biggest benefits of going solar. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, residential solar electricity can lower or even eliminate your electricity bills, saving the average homeowner hundreds of dollars per year.

By investing in a solar energy system, you’ll gain more control over your finances. The sun’s energy is free, so you’ll reduce your reliance on utility companies and fluctuating electricity rates. The money you save can be put toward other priorities. Going solar pays you back over time through significant electricity bill savings.

Over 20 or 30 years, solar panels can save the typical household $10,000 – $30,000 in energy costs. According to Energy5, this cost-effective path leads to financial stability. With solar power, you can take control of your energy costs and enjoy the rewarding savings for decades to come.

Independence

There is a liberating feeling that comes with generating your own energy from solar panels. Rather than being dependent on the electric grid and paying ever-increasing electricity bills, solar allows homeowners to take control of their energy production (Why Is Energy Independence So Important?). With rooftop solar panels, you can harness free and abundant sunlight to power your home. While no home is completely “off the grid” unless it has battery backup capacity, solar provides a degree of energy independence. The America Progress article explores how boosting renewable solar and wind energy domestically can reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports from abroad (Achieving Energy Independence While Supporting European Allies).

Control

One of the most empowering aspects of switching to solar energy is gaining control over your energy source. For decades, homeowners have been dependent on utility companies to provide electricity. This meant having little control over electricity rates, which often seemed to mysteriously spike at the worst times. There was also no control over the source of the energy, even if a homeowner wanted to use renewable energy.

With solar panels, homeowners take back control over their electricity. They get to decide when and how much energy to produce. Solar energy allows people to become energy independent and insulated from fluctuating energy prices (Source: https://energy5.com/from-dependence-to-empowerment-the-rise-of-solar-energy-for-individuals). Having control over your energy source is liberating and empowering.

Solar panels also allow people to take a stance and use clean energy instead of relying on fossil fuel-derived energy from the grid. The ability to choose renewable solar energy gives people a sense of control over their environmental impact (Source: https://energy5.com/empowerment-through-solar-power-and-empiricism). With solar energy, homeowners have the control to directly reduce their carbon footprint.

Conclusion

The tactile, emotional experience of solar energy is ultimately one of empowerment, sustainability, and hope. The warmth of the sun’s rays shining down, the brightness of the light they provide, and the invisible energetic vibrations they impart can be felt at a deep level. Solar energy fosters growth, independence, cost savings, and control over one’s energy future. It connects us back to the natural world and renewable cycles. The transition to solar energy, while still ongoing, provides optimism about humanity’s ability to live in balance with the planet. When you feel the sun on your face, absorb its light, and tap into its limitless energy, you feel connected to the past, present and future – to the essential life force that solar so elegantly captures.