Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). Concentrated solar power systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. Photovoltaics convert light into electric current using the photoelectric effect.
The vast majority of solar power systems are used to generate electricity, but there are also systems for heating, cooling and desalination. Solar photovoltaics are the most common type of solar power system. They are used in everything from small handheld calculators to massive power plants.
Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source that can be used to generate electricity or heat. It has the potential to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, and can also help to improve energy security by diversifying the energy mix.