What are the different types of solar energy?
Solar energy can come in two main forms: Thermal Energy Also known as solar heat energy, this is the sun’s ability to provide elevated levels of heat in the form of radiation. Thermal energy is used to heat: • Home water • Swimming pools • Washing machines • Internal space in buildings Heating systems often use a collector to trap the sun’s light and radiation, and then a fan or pump circulates the heat to the fluid. Electric Energy Electric energy, also known as photovoltaic energy, is energy that is used to make electricity directly from the sun. Electric energy uses solar cells to absorb the sunlight, which in turn transmits an electrical charge through metal wires and circuits. Any extra energy can be stored in a battery and used when there is no sun. Solar electric energy can be used for: • Calculators • Watches • Spacecraft • Lighting • Small appliances • Telephones • Communication equipment Many power plants use solar panels to transfer the energy from the sun into electricity.
