Solar Energy

Solar energy can be harnessed by a few different techniques. There is photovoltaic which transfers light directly into electricity in solar cells and there is solar thermal, which uses the heating effect of concentrated light to drive mechanical machines or heat water to drives turbines.

Solar PV

Here is a really good intro video which describes the method by which energy from the sun is captured in a usable form. One of the keys to making solar PV work, is a good feed in tarrif scheme, something which Australia lacks, and is having trouble implementing through government.

"The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun."
Ralph Nader.