Solar energy has replaced the conventional energy resources with its potential results and capacity. It leads the list of renewable energy resource. There are many methods to create and store solar energy. Let us discuss the six different types of solar energy in this article.

Solar cells: Whether it is a pocket calculator or a high-end electronic device, you might have seen solar cells playing the main role. These cells are arranged in various patterns or arrays which are called as panels. The solar panels are made of Silicon and act as semiconductors. They are useful in generating electricity using the sunlight.

Solar Fibers: This technology uses solar tape made of Titanium dioxide. Their functions are similar to that of the solar cells. The only difference which distinguishes solar fibers is that it does not use silicon. The solar tape is used in building materials, manufacturing cars and clothing.

Solar Updraft Tower: The basic concept of solar updraft tower is to drive turbines using the solar energy. Air is left to pass through a green house kind of structure. It gets heated along the passage and is channelized through a tower. The hot air rises up and drives turbines.

Solar Pond: The main purpose of a solar pond is to produce heat and not electricity. It is big structure with three layers. The topmost layer has low salt content. The middle layer has medium amount of salt which acts as an insulator. It prevents heat convection in the water. The bottom most layer consists of high level of salt which traps the heat. The temperature of this layer can go very high at times. The trapped heat is used to warm up buildings, homes or produce electricity.

Solar Chemical: Chemical reaction is used in this method to generate electricity out of sunlight. Not much can be discussed about the use of this method as it is still in its nascent stage. All we know is most of the researches are based on photo electrolysis of water.

Energy Tower: This method is very much similar to solar updraft tower. Water is sprayed on the top of the tower. The water is then evaporated and cooled inside the tower. The cold air gets heavy and lands on the turbines driving them smoothly.

Though many researches are being carried in this field, solar cells are the ones which are widely used and known by common man.