Solar power
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Solar power, also known as solar electricity, is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV) or indirectly using concentrated solar power. Solar panels use the photovoltaic effect to convert light into an electric current. Concentrated solar power systems use lenses or mirrors and solar tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight to a hot spot, often to drive a steam turbine.
Rooftop solar in Hong Kong
The first three concentrated solar power (CSP) units of Spain's Solnova Solar Power Station in the foreground, with the PS10 and PS20 solar power towers in the background
The 40.5 MW Jännersdorf Solar Park in Prignitz, Germany
Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System with all three towers under load
Photovoltaics
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Photovoltaics (PV) is the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect, a phenomenon studied in physics, photochemistry, and electrochemistry. The photovoltaic effect is commercially used for electricity generation and as photosensors.
The Solar Settlement, a sustainable housing community project in Freiburg, Germany
Charging station in France that provides energy for electric cars using solar energy
Solar panels on the International Space Station
This chart illustrates the effect of clouds on solar energy production.