Solar energy is a clean form of energy production, which does not pollute the environment.

Thermal and photovoltaic conversion are the two contemporary means of harnessing energy from the sun. Solar power can be generated using thermal conversion, which transforms the heat generated by sunlight into electricity. Specialized material that can directly turn sunlight into electricity is involved in photovoltaic conversion.

As you would expect, sunlight is required to use solar thermal conversion to generate electricity. (solar) This also uses reflectors and mirrors to create large amounts of heat from exposure to the sun. (Thermal energy is a type of energy). If you have ever starting a magnifying glass fire, than you were using solar energy. You are able to create a very small space of very intense heat using a magnifying glass. When using actual solar cells they use this method to produce steam by superheating liquids. The steam produced can turn a turbine and produce electricity.

Photovoltaic Conversion translates to light that is converted to electricity. Photovaltaic cells are usually made up of two panels each of which is made up of two different layers of materials. One layer becomes positively charged and the other negatively when light hits them. Very much like a regular battery, which has a positive end and a negative end, when a wire connects the two ends, they produce an electric current. When you expose the two layers inside a solar panel to sunlight it creates electricity.

A sole power cell’s speed of generating electricity is relative to the brightness of the sun: the brighter the faster. The longer, more intense and most direct sunlight will produce the best results.

These days you can find many different products that are solar powered. Solar power has so many advantages including, portability when traveling or camping, and it is environmentally friendly. As previously stated if you have started a fire using a magnifying glass than you have used solar energy. Today, these mechanisms are more efficient and effective than ever. The use of solar power now and in the future is extremely bright and promising.

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