Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.
Our Sun produces energy in the form of radiant light and heat which is termed solar energy. The light particles are captured by solar cells which convert this energy into electricity.
The direct current of electricity from the solar panels is sent to an inverter which coverts it to an alternating current, this type of current is utilised by our homes, businesses and electric appliances.
We are now in the situation of producing power from the Sun rather than drawing electricity from the grid, this type of energy is termed ‘renewable’ because over a human timescale the Sun will continue to naturally replenish its energy resources.
Because solar energy relies on direct sunlight in order to produce power we can utilise battery storage technologies which store the excess energy from the sun so that it can be used at time when their is less solar irradiance.
