Solar power generation usually refers to

What is solar energy?

Solar energy is any type of energy generated by the sun. Solar energy is created by nuclear fusion that takes place in the sun. Fusion occurs when protons of hydrogen atoms violently collide in the sun's core and fuse to create a helium atom. This process, known as a PP (proton-proton) chain reaction, emits an enormous amount of energy.

How is solar power generated?

Solar power is generated in two main ways: Solar photovoltaic (PV) uses electronic devices, also called solar cells, to convert sunlight directly into electricity. It is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy technologies and is playing an increasingly important role in the global energy transformation.

How can solar energy be used to generate electricity?

In order to use the energy from the Sun to generate electricity, there needs to be some method of harnessing the solar radiation. Since there is no fuel to burn to generate electricity like there is in fossil fuel power plants or nuclear power plants, different methods are used to capture or concentrate sunlight.

What is solar thermal power generation?

Solar thermal power generation technology has been developing in the direction of ever-larger capacity and higher parameters. Currently, solar energy generation can produce a steam temperature as high as 400–500°C, with a generation efficiency of 25%.