solar pv

The sun

The sun, an energy available for free which can be used in many ways. 

Energy from the sun can be used in three main ways, and when talking about solar energy, it is important to distinguish between these three types:

• Passive heat:
  This is heat which we receive from the sun naturally. This can be taken into account in the design of buildings so that less additional heating is required
     
• Solar thermal:
  Uses the sun’s heat to provide hot water for homes or swimming pools (also heating systems)
    
• Photovoltaic energy (PV):
  Uses energy from the sun to create electricity to run appliances and lighting. A photovoltaic system requires only daylight - not direct sunlight - to generate electricity.