Sunlight is a renewable resource, and its most direct use is achieved by capturing the sun’s energy. A variety of solar energy technologies are used to convert the sun’s energy and light into heat: illumination, hot water, electricity and even cooling systems for businesses and industry.

Photovoltaic (PV) systems use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity. Solar hot water systems can be used to heat buildings by circulating water through flat-plate solar collectors. Mirrored dishes that are focused to boil water in a conventional steam generator can produce electricity by concentrating the sun’s heat. Commercial and industrial buildings can also leverage the sun’s energy for larger-scale needs such as ventilation, heating, and cooling. Finally, thoughtful architectural designs can passively take advantage of the sun as a source of light for heating and cooling.

Homeowners, businesses and government entities can take advantage of the benefits of solar power in many ways: Install a home solar system or commercial solar panels; construct or retrofit a building to incorporate solar hot water, cooling or ventilation systems; design from scratch structures that take advantage of the sun’s natural attributes for passive heating and lighting.