Solar energy is energy derived from the sun. It can be harnessed in the following ways to power both commercial and residential applications via its role as an alternative source of electricity:
 
1) Concentrating solar power: uses solar power concentrating systems to harness the sun’s heat energy and convert it to other forms of energy such as mechanical energy which is then converted to electricity.
 
2) Passive solar: refers to home and commercial building design strategies that take advantage of passive solar heating and daylighting via southern exposure.
 
3) Photovoltaics: solar cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity.
 
- Example: outdoor solar light fixtures.
 
4) Solar water heating: uses the sun’s energy to heat water in buildings and swimming pools via the use of a solar collector to heat the water and an insulated storage tank to house the heated water.
 
5) Solar process heating / solar cooling: systems designed to provide large quantities of hot water or space heating for commercial buildings. Solar cooling involves using solar heat as an energy source to create cool air.

 
Solar Energy Industries Association
 
American Solar Energy Society
 
Solar America Initiative