Solar energy doesn’t pollute the earth.

Thermal and photovoltaic conversion are the two contemporary means of harnessing energy from the sun. Using the heat of the sun to make electricity is known as solar conversion. Layers of a unique material contained the Photovoltaic conversion absorb sun’s rays directly to product electricity.

Sunlight is needed for solar thermal conversion (as the name implies.) (solar) and uses reflectors and mirrors to create mass amounts of heat (thermal). If you have ever used a magnifying glass to start a fire, you were using solar thermal conversion to create the energy necessary to create a flame. To create a pinpoint of intense heat magnifying glass lenses are used. Actual solar cells used to store heat use this method to superheat liquids that produce steam. The steam that is produced will turn a turbine and produce electricity.

Photovoltaic Conversion translates to light that is converted to electricity. Photovoltaic cells usually consist of panels, which contain two layers of different materials. When the two layers are touched by light, one layer gets a positive charge, while the second layer gets a negative charge. When a wire connects the two ends of a battery it produces an electric current. When the two layers of material in a solar cell are exposed to light, an electric current is created.

A sole power cell’s speed of generating electricity is relative to the brightness of the sun: the brighter the faster. The best result require longer exposure to direct sunlight.

Solar cells are used today to power anything from small personal devices, such as cell phones, to large communities. Solar power offers many benefits including the fact that it can be portable, and that it protects the earth. As was already pointed out, anyone who ever lit a campfire by holding up a magnifying glass has already put solar energy to work for them. The latest devices offer better service and are more durable than their earlier counterparts. In the future it is extremely bright and promising the use of solar power now.