What Is Solar Electric Generation?

by BradN

Overview

Photovoltaic cells convert the Sun's rays into electricity.

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Solar electric generation is the process of converting energy from the Sun's rays into electricity. It is one of the cleanest energy sources available and one of the possible alternatives to burning fossil fuels.
Technology

Electricity is generated by the use of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity, or by concentrating solar power plants that use the Sun's rays to heat water to run a generator.

Renewable

Solar power is completely renewable. The Sun has generated energy for billions of years and will do so for billions more.
Available Anywhere

Because solar power can be generated anywhere the Sun shines, photovoltaic cells can be installed on your home or be used to build solar power plants. The world's largest solar power plant can be found in California's Mojave Desert.
Good for the Earth

Solar power generates no air or water pollution and no greenhouse gases. This makes it considerably better for the environment than burning fossil fuels.
Criticisms

Solar power has been criticized as being inefficient, too costly, and requiring too much land.