What types of solar energy conversion technologies exist?
The sun emits enormous amount of radiation. When we refer to Types of Solar Energy we actually mean what are the different methods by which Sun Radiation is converted to other forms of energy. Sun radiation can be converted directly to electricity, can be converted to heat, and can be exploited by bio-chemical reactions. It can also be used directly for tanning, as long as one is aware to the hazards. The Photovoltaic Effect | Direct Conversion to Electricity The Photovoltaic Effect is the way to directly convert day light radiation (photons, light particles) into electricity (electrons, electricity particles). Solar panels are used extensively for residential solar power generation as well as for utility scale power plants. Better ways to produce economically more efficient solar panels are being researched by corporations and research institutes. Big electrical Power Plants use mirrors or lenses to concentrate more sun radiation on solar panels to get more output power. The mirrors (