Question

What is meant by solar energy? How can this energy be harnessed?

Answer 1

Solar Energy:

The sunlight has a large amount of energy in the form of heat that can be utilized for many purposes like cooking, heating, electricity production, etc. Solar energy is a renewable form of energy and is available in an unlimited quantity in the environment.

Solar energy can be harnessed in the following ways:

1. Direct Method: This method is used for the direct conversion of solar energy into heat or electricity with the help of a solar cooker or photovoltaic cell respectively.
2. Indirect Method: This method harnesses solar energy in the indirect form. The plants, tides, wind, etc., use solar energy, and these sources can further be utilized for harnessing solar energy.