Solar energy is a renewable resource that is free, environmentally friendly and readily available. Solar energy can be used in many ways - to provide heat, lighting, mechanical power and electricity.

Sunlight is converted to electricity using photovoltaic (PV) solar cells. PV cells are usually bundled together in modules or panels to produce higher voltages and increased power.

The cells are semiconductor devices, usually made of silicon, which contain no liquids, corrosive chemicals or moving parts. The PV panels require little maintenance, do not pollute, and operate silently, making photovoltaic energy a very clean and safe method of power generation.