Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics (PVs) directly convert sunlight into electricity using solid-state technology. PVs are also known as "solar cells." This is considered a very benign form of electricity generation because there is:

• no fuel or cooling required
• no emissions and
• no noise.

Unfortunately, PVs are still relatively expensive compared to other energy sources.

Solar thermal systems

Solar thermal systems use solar radiation directly to generate electricity. The parabolic trough is the leading solar thermal electric technology used today. The table below describes this process.

Other solar thermal systems include central-receiver technology, which uses a field of mirrors to focus the sun's energy on a central receiver, and parabolic dishes for small-scale application.