The sun emits heat and light in the form of solar radiation, also known as electromagnetic radiation. Solar technologies capture this radiation and turn it into useful forms of energy. Learn about the basics of solar radiation.
There are two main types of solar energy technologies: photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP).
Photovoltaics Basics
You're likely most familiar with PV, which is utilized in solar panels. When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the PV cells in the panel. This energy creates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field in the cell, causing electricity to flow.
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Learn the basics of how photovoltaic (PV) technology works with these resources from the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office.October 17, 2025 -
There are a variety of different semiconductor materials used in solar photovoltaic cells. Learn more about the most commonly-used materials.March 28, 2025 -
Part 1 of the PV Cells 101 primer explains how a solar cell turns sunlight into electricity and why silicon is the semiconductor that usually does it.
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Solar manufacturing encompasses the production of products and materials across the solar value chain. This page provides background information on several manufacturing processes to help you better understand how solar works.April 7, 2025 -
Solar photovoltaic modules are where the electricity gets generated, but are only one of the many parts in a complete photovoltaic (PV) system.July 8, 2022 -
Solar Photovoltaic Performance and Efficiency BasicsMay 5, 2026
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Learn the basics of how concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) works with these resources from the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office.April 3, 2025 -
One challenge facing solar energy is reduced energy production when the sun sets or is blocked by clouds. Thermal energy storage is one solution.December 10, 2021 -
In power tower concentrating solar power systems, several flat, sun-tracking mirrors focus sunlight onto a receiver at the top of a tall towerOctober 27, 2020
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Linear concentrating solar power (CSP) collectors capture the sun's energy with large mirrors that reflect and focus the sunlight on a linear receiverDecember 4, 2020 -
Dish/engine systems use a parabolic dish of mirrors to direct and concentrate sunlight onto a central engine that produces electricity.October 27, 2020 -
Concentrating solar-thermal power has a wide variety of industrial applications that can help decarbonize the U.S. industrial sector and reduce the U.S. economy's carbon footprint.October 10, 2024
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