How is solar energy harnessed (collected) ?

Question

How is solar energy harnessed (collected) ?

Answer 1

You can read about solar energy and how it is created and used here:

http://www.greenstudentu.com/Solar_Energ...

Answer 2

by changing the energy from visible form to another storeable form...

there are a couple of methods of doing this.. converting it to heat... then use the heat to create electricity.

use the heat to trigger a chemical change.. you can reverse that change later to release the heat

straight electrical release.. the heat causes an electrical discharge...

no matter what form of solar panel, windmill, nuclear power station, or any other form of energy you are looking at.. they are all going to use one of these three basic methods of converting one form of energy into something that can be used.... our advances involve more efficient conversions.. and conversions using forms we couldn't use before.

Answer 3

this site has a drawing of a Photovoltaic (PV) Cell which is used to harness the sun's rays and convert them into electricity.

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/...

Answer 4

in solar panels, that heat up water to make steam which powers turbines which make electricity.