Solar energy conversion
OverviewElectricity productionHistoryBackgroundThermal energyEconomic developmentEnvironmental impact
Photovoltaics (PV) use silicon solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity through the photoelectric effect, which results in the emission of electrons. Concentrated solar power (CSP) uses lenses or mirrors with tracking devices to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. Solar power is anticipated to become the world''s largest source of electricity by 2050. Facilities such as the Ivanpah Solar Power Plant in the