Solar power

Solar power is tapped directly from the sun; which has an intensity on a clear day of 1,240 W / m² on the ground with the sun directly overhead. Many ways of tapping solar power have been developed. [Photovoltaic cell]?s convert sunlight to electrity. Plants use photosynthesis to convert solar energy to chemical.

Invented by Horace de Saussure, a Swiss naturalist experimenting as early as 1767, a solar box cooker traps the sun's power in an insulated box; for cooking, pasturization and fruit canning. Solar heating is also used to help heat buildings and provide hot water.