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Solar Power

Solar power is generated when special panels of solar cells, or modules, capture sunlight and convert it directly into electricity. These panels are known as photovoltaic, or PV. (“Photo” is Greek for light, and “voltaic” pertains to electricity.)

Several PV panels can be grouped into solar arrays, and large numbers of these used to create a solar power plant. The electricity produced by solar panels can be used right away, fed into the power grid for others to use, or stored in a battery so it is also available on cloudy days.

Solar thin films are light-absorbing materials that are rolled, sprayed, or painted onto rooftops and other surfaces. Thin films are cheaper to make than traditional solar cells, but they are not yet as efficient at producing electricity.

Thermal solar power uses mirrors or panels containing tiny tubes filled with water that absorb heat from the sun. On rooftops, they can supply hot water for individual buildings. Concentrated solar power can also be used to create steam that spins turbines at electric power plants.

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  • Solar power generation creates electricity without releasing CO2.
  • Solar power can be generated on rooftops for individual homes and businesses without taking up much space.
  • Rooftop solar panels can send extra electricity into the power grid for others to use.
  • The amount of electricity or hot water that can be produced from solar power depends on weather, location, and time of day.
  • Although the cost of solar panels is falling, this is still an expensive energy source.
  • Large solar power plants use many acres of land and may require costly new transmission lines to carry the electricity to where it is needed.
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