what is solar

Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of technologies such as solar power to generate electricity, solar thermal energy, and solar architecture. Solar technologies are characterized 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. There are two main types of solar energy technologies: photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) . Photovoltaic cells convert light into an electric current using the photovoltaic effect, while concentrated solar power systems use lenses or mirrors. Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available, and it can be used to heat, cool, and light homes and businesses. If suitably harnessed, solar energy has the potential to satisfy all future energy needs.