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An immense amount of energy from the sun strikes the surface of the earth every day. This energy may be captured and used in the form of heat in "solar thermal" applications, or it may be converted directly into electricity to power electrical devices using photovoltaic cells.Photovoltaic (PV) cells are devices that convert solar radiation into electricity. Most PV cells are made of the element silicon, but other semiconducting materials can be used.
Throughout history, humans have used the heat from sunlight directly to cook food and heat water and homes. Today, solar collectors can gather solar thermal energy in almost any climate to provide a reliable, low-cost source of energy for many applications including hot water for homes, residential heating, and hot water for industries such as laundry and food processing. In recent years, utilities have begun to use solar thermal energy to generate electricity by boiling water and using the steam to drive a turbine which generates electrical power.
Reference to On-Line Renewable Energy Education Module
Other links for Solar Energy
Introduction to Solar Energy
An introduction to solar physics, solor thermal energy, and photovoltaicsChris and Grant's Solar Page
Info on solar energy, solar cars, solar thermal plants, and photovoltaic plantsThe Solar Energy Network
The Place In Cyberspace Or Anywhere Else To Obtain Information About, Advertise, Buy, Sell, Or Discuss Solar Energy Related Products And TopicsSolar Energy: The Basics
Principles of Solar EnergySolar Energy: Conduction and Heat Transfer
How Solar Energy is Used, Thermal Conduction, and Heat flowSolar Energy: Conversion into Electricity
How Solar Energy is Generally Used, PhotoVoltaic Devices, and Schematic structure of energy bands in SiliconSolar Energy: Collector Systems
Basic System Design, Requirements, and CollectorsSolar Energy: Solar/Electric Cars
Basic Ideas and Examples with a Comprehensive Reference on Electric Vehicles
