How is Solar Power Produced to Harness Energy?

The steps for processing and harnessing solar power vary based o the type of solar power system used. However, there are some general aspects that remain constant for all types of technology.

Production

Solar power is produced by the sun (the Latin word for sun is "sol"). Due to the sun's immense size, solar energy is the most widely available source of energy in the world, and, if it were completely harnessed, could be used to satisfy all of our energy needs.

Solar Panels

The most common way solar energy is harnessed is through solar panels, which are a collection of smaller units known as solar cells. Individual solar panels are then connected in larger units called photovoltaic arrays.

Types

Solar panel technology includes passive solar technology (where the collected solar power is used to heat a home), solar photovoltaic technology (where the collected solar power is converted into electricity for a home) and concentrating solar power (which uses a large photovoltaic array to produce electricity for a larger region).

References

• National Renewable Energy Laboratory - Solar Energy Basics
• University of Florida: Solar Power System