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Solar Power

Solar power is one of the cleanest sources of energy currently available to the general public. This power can be harnessed through the use of photovoltaic panels (PV), which is a direct method of collection, or through concentrated solar (CSP), which is indirect. Both methods are effective, but are used for different applications.

PV solar power is primarily used for individual homes and businesses. Solar panels are installed (usually on the rooftop) and the resulting electricity is run directly into the power system for the building. These systems almost always use a battery system to store excess power for future use.

CSP solar power is used mainly for large-scale power plants. This is because the array of mirrors used in these set-ups often takes up a large parcel of land. These mirrors focus sunlight on a central tower containing water. As the water boils it produces steam, which can then be used to spin turbines and create electricity.

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