Solar cells made of semiconducting materials directly convert sunlight into electricity.
Reflective materials such as mirrors concentrate the sun's energy, which is then converted into electricity. A typical system will reduce the need for conventional water heating by about two-thirds. High-temperature solar water heaters can provide hot water and heat for large commercial and industrial facilities. As the energy crisis in California continues, many people are starting to think about different ways to generate their own power. Right now, alternative energies such as wind and solar power account for a mere sliver of the electrical production pie.