There are two main types of solar energy technologies—photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP). On this page you’ll find resources to learn what solar energy is; how you, your business, or your community can go solar; and find resources for every step of the way.
Solar technologies are categorized as either passive or active depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight and enable solar energy to be harnessed at different levels around the world, mostly depending on the distance from the Equator.
Solar energy is radiation from the Sun that is capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy incident on Earth is vastly in excess of the world’s energy requirements and could satisfy all future energy needs if suitably harnessed.
Solar power is usable energy generated from the sun with solar panels. It is a clean, inexpensive, and renewable power source available everywhere.