Solar energy is the rays of light and heat emitted by the sun and has been exploited and benefited from by humans since ancient times using constantly changing technological means. Solar energy utilization techniques include the use of the sun’s thermal energy, whether for direct heating or in a mechanical conversion process for movement or electrical energy, or for generating electricity through photovoltaic phenomena using photovoltaic panels, in addition to architectural designs that rely on exploiting solar energy. These are technologies that can significantly contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems today. Most of the renewable energy sources available on the Earth’s surface are attributed to solar radiation in addition to secondary energy sources, such as wind energy, wave energy, hydropower, and biomass. It is worth noting that only a small part of the solar energy available in our lives has been used. Electrical energy is generated from solar energy by heat engines or photovoltaic converters. Once solar energy is converted into electrical energy, only human ingenuity controls its uses. Applications of solar energy include heating and cooling systems in solar-powered architectural designs, potable water through distillation and purification, daylighting, water heating, solar cooking, and high temperatures for industrial purposes.
