Types of Solar Energy

Solar Electric power

Solar electric is energy converted directly into electricity.

In this conversion solar power cells, also known as photovoltaic or PV cells are used. PV modules are made up of individual PV cells and are joined together to form a PV array, which is used to generate electricity. The PV array is installed on a roof or in a sunny location to maximize the sun’s rays. When the sun rays falls on the array, the solar energy is converted into electric current that can be used to operate appliances and other household devices.

Once installed, a photovoltaic system can produce power for more than 20 years and it requires little maintenance.

Solar Thermal power

Solar thermal technologies is based on the principle that the same one often used to brew tea in a jar outside on a hot summer day. The sun’s energy radiates to the earth and is captured in a jar of water. The water is warmed by this captured energy, and brews the tea.

A solar water heating system consist of collectors to absorb the sun’s energy and a storage system to hold the energy until it is needed. The collectors are large, flat panels that are mounted on a roof. The storage systems look and act like conventional water heaters. Pumps are also part of the system and are used to circulate the heated water.