Passive solar design and construction has been used to collect heat from the Sun for centuries. Old buildings, for example, often contain passive solar features such as strategically oriented south-facing walls, large windows, and masonry walls that collect and distribute the heat from the sun. Using these techniques can result in more energy savings in the long run.

Active solar energy examples include solar thermal collectors, which use absorption of sunlight to produce heat. These devices can be used for decades without requiring maintenance or repairs. A typical collector contains two parts: a concentrating area and an aperture. The concentrating area is larger than the absorption area, while the aperture acts as a mirror for the absorption area.

There are also concentrating systems and flat photovoltaic panels. A concentrating system must track the sun to get maximum benefit from the sunlight, and sun-tracking systems need large space for optimal results. However, concentrating systems are much cheaper than flat photovoltaic panels. However, people who use concentrating systems have a different goal than those who use flat photovoltaic panels.

Whether you use solar thermal or photovoltaic panels, you'll need to be certain that the device you choose is capable of handling all operating modes. You'll want to choose a device that allows you to choose the temperature that is best for your specific needs. Whether you're using solar energy as a source of heat, or using it to heat water or antifreeze, the key is to use the proper equipment.

The best photovoltaic cells are capable of using 40 per cent of sunlight that falls on them. Despite this, they are not cost-effective for large-scale use. In addition, a high-efficiency PV cell requires the temperature of the solar panel to be controlled. That adds to the cost.

While solar energy is infinite, its distribution is uneven. It must be collected from remote areas and transported to industrialized regions. One way to convert solar energy is through thermochemical conversion. For this process to work, you need high-concentration collectors. If you use this method, you'll need a large area to convert it. Besides, the method requires high-quality glass. If you have a large area to cover, a high-efficiency solar collector will be needed.

Another way to use solar energy is to install photovoltaic devices on buildings. Photovoltaic devices are solid-state devices that convert sunlight into electrical energy. Other energy sources can also be used to produce electricity, including geothermal energy and wind power.