Types of Solar Energy

Solar energy technologies use the sun's energy and light to provide heat, light, hot water, electricity, and even cooling, for homes, businesses, and industry.

There are a variety of technologies that have been developed to take advantage of solar energy. These include:

Photovoltaic Systems

Producing electricity directly from sunlight. [learn more]

Solar Hot Water

Heating water with solar energy. [learn more]

Solar Electricity

Using the sun's heat to produce electricity. [learn more]

Passive Solar Heating and Daylighting

Using solar energy to heat and light buildings. [learn more]

Solar Process Space Heating and Cooling

Industrial and commercial uses of the sun's heat. [learn more]

Solar energy content for this section provided in part by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Department of Energy.