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Currently, solar
energy is produced primarily through the use of solar cells,
also known as photovoltaic cells. The process works by placing
the cells in direct sunlight. Sun hits the cells causing a
chemical reaction that creates an electric current. The current
is then turned into electricity. The problem with these cells,
however, is they are only about 15 percent efficient.
Solar energy is
typically classified in two ways, passive solar and active
solar. Both approaches produce solar energy, but in very
different ways
Passive solar is
exactly what it sounds like. It does not involve panel systems
or other moving mechanisms to produce solar energy. Instead,
passive solar involves planning a structure in such a way as to
capture the power of the sun with windows, tanks and so on.
These systems can be used to heat homes, water and so on.
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