Solar Power

Solar power is a term that’s used to describe the conversion of sunlight (solar energy) into electricity. The two main types of systems that are used to produce solar power are; solar photovoltaics (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP).

Photovoltaic systems are commonly used on a domestic or commercial scale to provide a source of power for a home or business through the use of solar panels. In contrast, a concentrated solar power system can be used to generate solar electricity on an industrial scale by focusing a large area of sunlight into a single beam which can then be used with conventional steam-driven turbines in order to generate electricity.

In this section you can discover how solar power actually works and the many different ways in which we can use it.

Articles

History of Solar Power

The history of solar power goes further back than you might think. Take a look at our timeline of events to learn more about the history of solar energy.

An old solar panel showing the history of solar power.

Solar Photovoltaics

Discover how solar photovoltaics works and the ways in which we can use this process of converting the suns energy into useable electricity.

A solar photovoltaic panel.

Solar Electricity Kit

Find out what types of solar electricity kits are available to provide consumers with a means of providing power in a variety of circumstances.

A solar electricity kit.

Solar Power Plants

Find out how solar power plants are able to generate significant amounts of electricity by combining the power of hundreds of solar panels.

A small scale solar power plant.