Solar lights use PV cells, which absorb the sun’s energy and create an electrical charge that moves through the panel. Wires from the solar cell connect to the battery, which converts and stores the power as chemical energy until it's needed.
The battery later uses that energy to power an LED bulb. The diode is a semiconductor that allows electrons to pass between its two points, creating electromagnetic energy in the form of light during hours of darkness.
LED technology generates light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent and fluorescent lighting, making it ideal for solar lighting system.
Solar heating and cooling technologies collect the thermal energy from the sun and use this heat to provide hot water, space heating, cooling and pool heating for residential, commercial and industrial applications. These technologies displace the need to use electricity or natural gas.
Solar water heating systems can be installed on every home in the U.S., and are composed of three main elements: the solar collector, insulated piping, and a hot water storage tank.
Electronic controls can also be included, as well as a freeze protection system for colder climates. The solar collector gathers the heat from solar radiation and transfers the heat to potable water. This heated water flows out of the collector to a hot water tank, and is used as necessary.