The light that the sun emits is referred to as solar radiation or electromagnetic radiation. Even though the specific amount of solar energy that reaches any one spot on the planet’s surface fluctuates, every point on Earth receives some sunshine over the course of a year. Utilizing solar technology, this radiation is captured and converted into the useable energy of sun energy solar. Through photovoltaic (PV) panels or mirrors that concentrate solar radiation, solar technologies turn sunlight into electrical energy.

Photovoltaics (PV) and concentrated solar-thermal power are the two primary categories of solar energy technology (CSP).

Basics of Photovoltaics
PV, which you are undoubtedly most familiar with, is used in solar panels. A solar panel uses photovoltaic (PV) cells to store solar energy as the sun shines on it. This energy produces electrical charges that move in response to an internal electric field within the cell, which causes the flow of electricity.

Basics of Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power
Reflecting and concentrating sunlight onto receivers, concentrated solar-thermal power (CSP) systems use mirrors to gather solar energy and convert it to heat that can be used to generate electricity or stored for later use.

Systems Integration Fundamentals
Electricity production by PV or CSP systems is only the beginning of solar energy technology. These solar energy systems must be incorporated into buildings, commercial buildings, and current electrical grids using various ratios of conventional and alternative renewable energy sources.

Simple Soft Costs
The price of solar energy is also impacted by a number of soft factors that are not related to technology. These expenses include those solar companies must spend to find new clients, pay suppliers, and cover their operating expenses, as well as those related to financing, obtaining permits, and installing solar. Soft costs make up the greatest portion of overall expenditures for rooftop solar energy installations.

Basics of Solar Energy
When combined with storage, solar energy may supply backup power for nights and outages, lower electricity costs, help build a more robust electrical grid, promote economic growth, create jobs, and operate at equivalent efficiency on both small and big sizes.

Basics of the Solar Industry
There are numerous types and sizes of solar energy systems. In addition to residential systems, commercial installations of solar panels are becoming more common in the United States. Large solar power plants are being built by utilities as well in order to supply energy to all grid-connected customers.