Solar Panels
Solar panels have been used for decades to harness the power of the sun. Using very thin cells of silicon, these panels collect photons from sunlight and convert them into electricity. These cells are linked in series in order to achieve the required voltage.
Early solar panels were fairly bulky devices that many considered an eye-sore when installed on a rooftop. However, modern versions are much more low-profile in design, including some that are so high-tech they are indistinguishable from the shingles on your roof. Flexible panels are also being created, adding further options for solar energy collection.
Modern solar panels are also much more efficient than those of the past. Advances in technology have allowed these panels to produce much higher voltages along with greater consistency. Future panels will undoubtedly be even more capable as solar energy increases in demand.