SOLAR ENERGY

The sun has produced energy for billions of years.  Solar energy is the sun’s rays (solar radiation) that reach the Earth. This energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat and electricity.

When converted to thermal (or heat) energy, solar energy can be used to:

• Heat water — for use in homes, buildings, or swimming pools
• Heat spaces — inside homes, greenhouses, and other buildings
• Heat fluids — to high temperatures to operate a turbine to generate electricity

Solar energy can be converted to electricity in two ways:

• Photovoltaic or “solar cells” change sunlight directly into electricity.
• Solar thermal/electric power plants generate electricity by concentrating solar energy to heat a fluid and produce steam that is used to power a generator.