What kind of energy is converted to electrical energy in solar power generation?

Question

Accepted Answer

Solar power generation converts light energy from the sun into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells or solar thermal systems.

Photovoltaic Cells: These cells convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, commonly used in solar panels.
Solar Thermal Systems: These systems use sunlight to heat a fluid, which then produces steam to drive a turbine and generate electricity.
Efficiency: Modern solar panels can convert around 15-22% of sunlight into usable electricity, with ongoing research to improve this.
Grid Integration: Solar energy can be integrated into the electrical grid, allowing for distributed generation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Off-Grid Solutions: Solar power can also be used in off-grid applications, providing electricity to remote areas without access to traditional power sources.

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