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Solar energy is radiant energy from the sun—a fully renewable energy resource. We use the solar resource to provide daylight, electricity, and heat in four ways (in order of prevalence):

• Indirect: Our primary use of the sun’s energy is for free light and warmth (not counted in the data below but important for energy efficiency)
• Solar PV: Converting photons (light) into electricity through photovoltaics (PV), also known as solar panels
• Direct (solar thermal heat): Using the sun to heat water and buildings (hot water, warm pools, space heating/cooling)
• Solar Thermal Power (CSP): Concentrating sunlight to produce high-temperature heat to generate electricity, sometimes called concentrating solar power (CSP)

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