Solar power is harnessed using Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology that converts sunlight (Solar radiation) into electricity by using semiconductors. When the sun hits the semiconductor within the PV cell, electrons are freed and bus bars collect the running electrons which results in electric current.

Read about Renewable Energy Solar Power – Types, use, pros and cones by Pritish Kumar below:

Types of solar energy

Solar power is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy.

There are three types of solar energy.

Photovoltaic solar energy: used to produce electricity;

Solar thermal energy: used to heat water;

Passive solar energy: which directly takes advantage of sunlight.

Is the solar energy the best?

Home solar is a clean, emissions-free, and renewable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, home solar doesn’t release harmful pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions—like carbon dioxide—into the air and water supply.

Future of solar energy

Solar energy creates pure, clean, and renewable power from the sun, a perfect alternative to fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal. It also reduces carbon footprint and greenhouse gases worldwide.

Countries wish the most installed solar PV

Solar energy is used all around the planet, but currently, China, Japan, and the United States lead the world in terms of total installed solar capacity. Here are the top ten countries ranked in terms of total installed solar in megawatts (MW):

Installed solar capacity by country

RANK	COUNTRY	CAPACITY (MW)
1	China	254,355
2	United States	75,572
3	Japan	67,000
4	Germany	53,783
5	India	39,211
6	Italy	21,600
7	Australia	17,627
8	Vietnam	16,504
9	Korea	14,575
10	Spain	14,089

Advantages of solar power:

Advantages:

1)Solar power is pollution-free and causes no greenhouse gases to be emitted after installation.

2)Reduced dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels.

3)Renewable clean power that is available every day of the year, even cloudy days produce some power.

4)Return on investment unlike paying for utility bills.

Disadvantages of solar

1)Cost. The initial cost of purchasing a solar system is fairly high.

2)Weather-Dependent. Although solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of the solar system drops.

3)Solar Energy Storage Is Expensive.

4)Uses a Lot of Space.

Reference

http://www.energy.gov/eere/solar