Solar radiation is light emitted by the sun and this light is a form of energy called electromagnetic radiation. Solar energy captures this form of energy and turns it into a useful form of energy like electricity. The innovative research on solar panel technology is great and expansive and over the years we have been able to develop two main solar energy technologies which are photovoltaic and concentrating solar-thermal power.
Types of Solar Energy Technology
Photovoltaic cells: This devices generate electricity from sunlight when the light emitted from sun strike the semiconductor material in the solar panel, this frees the electrons inside the semiconductor material which are then made to travel through an electric circuit generating electric current in turn. This basically means that sunlight strikes a special material which releases small things that generate electricity. It is the most common implementation of Solar Technology.
Source: Researchers find benefits of solar photovoltaics outweigh costs | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power (CSP): CSP gathers thermal energy from the sun and uses this energy to create electricity. The energy generated from CSP is thermal energy that can be later used to drive traditional steam turbines or engines that generate electricity. CSP technology is more expensive to set up than PV technology, It has more stringent requirements to set up such as High solar radiation areas, Financial costs e.t.c. CSP is more advantageous to set up for mass energy generating facilities and can replace current carbon powered plants in terms of efficiency.
Source: Concentrating Solar Power Could Provide the Flexibility and Reliability the U.S. Electric Grid Needs | Department of Energy
