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.

Solar Energy Technologies:

• Photovoltaic Systems

  Producing electricity directly from sunlight.

• Solar Hot Water

  Heating water with solar energy.

• Solar Electricity

  Using the sun's heat to produce electricity.

• Passive Solar Heating and Daylighting

  Using solar energy to heat and light buildings.

• Solar Process Space Heating and Cooling

  Industrial and commercial uses of the sun's heat.

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