How does solar energy provide energy?

Answer 1

With regard to producing usable energy (electricity) from solar energy, there are two systems:

1. • Concentrating Solar Power (CSP): in this system, reflective materials concentrate the sun's energy, creating high temperatures. The corresponding heat powers a generator which converts it to electricity.

   • The advantage to this somewhat inexpensive option is that the derived power could be used in electric cars and hydrogen fuel cells.

2. • Photovoltaics (PV):Photovoltaics use cells (think solar panels) to convert solar energy directly into electricity.

   • To that end, the advantage of PVs is that they are likely to be on-board vehicle power sources with zero emissions. The chief disadvantage is that currently, PV cells are inefficient, capable of converting only about 15% of the solar energy they receive into electrical energy.