What is solar energy?

What is solar energy?

• A. Energy harnessed from the Sun using solar panels or solar cells.
• B. Energy produced by wind turbines.
• C. Energy generated by burning fossil fuels.
• D. Energy stored in underground geothermal reservoirs.

Answer: (A)

Solar energy is energy from the Sun that we capture and convert into usable electricity or heat. When sunlight hits solar panels, photovoltaic cells use the photovoltaic effect to generate an electric current, turning light directly into electricity. Some systems also trap sun heat with solar thermal collectors to heat water or other fluids. This makes solar energy a renewable, emissions-free source at the point of use. It’s different from wind energy, which comes from moving air; from burning fossil fuels, which releases energy by combustion; and from geothermal energy, which comes from heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface rather than from the Sun.

Solar energy is energy from the Sun that we capture and convert into usable electricity or heat. When sunlight hits solar panels, photovoltaic cells use the photovoltaic effect to generate an electric current, turning light directly into electricity. Some systems also trap sun heat with solar thermal collectors to heat water or other fluids. This makes solar energy a renewable, emissions-free source at the point of use. It’s different from wind energy, which comes from moving air; from burning fossil fuels, which releases energy by combustion; and from geothermal energy, which comes from heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface rather than from the Sun.