Photovoltaic cells (solar cell) - solar (light) energy into electricity

A photovoltaic cell is a silicon semi-conductor that can convert the light energy emitted by the sun into usable electric current. This electricity is used to charge up a battery where it is stored for use as chemical energy. You may have solar cells in your calculator! Large arrays of these cells are called 'panels' - photovoltaic panels.

Thermal solar panels - solar (heat) energy into heat energy in water

These are a simple and efficient way of using the sun to heat water - the hot water can then be used directly by us. When the sun's rays hit darkf materials, they absorb the heat energy and become very hot. . As water flows through containers beneath the dark surface it is heated. Often the water is not hot enough for us so we use 'top up' sources to heat it to the desired temperature, but a lot of energy is saved by it not having to be heated up so much!