Energy 101: Solar Energy

When we hear “solar energy” most of us think of large, reflective black solar panel arrays found on some homes and businesses. What many may not know is that solar energy can be captured in a number of different ways. These include:

Solar concentration: Concentrating solar power systems use reflective materials to concentrate solar energy, which is then used to power a conventional generator. The beam creates heat, which heats water to produce steam, which powers a turbine, producing electricity.

Photovoltaic (PV) cells: PV cells convert solar energy directly into electricity, without the intermediate generator used in solar concentration. PV cells are made from semiconductor materials arranged next to an electrical circuit. Light from the sun excites the electrons in the semiconductor, which move into the circuit, creating electricity.

Solar heating: These technologies use the sun’s energy to heat air or water. Solar air heating is often used in cold places with abundant sunlight to contribute to heating homes and businesses. Solar water heating is often used in the US to heat pools, but in other countries it is used for more routine household tasks such as washing clothes and dishes.

For more information on solar technologies and research, check out the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology Programs.