Question

How is solar energy converted to electrical energy?
A. Using solar heating device
B. Using solar cell
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above.

Answer 1

Hint: The above problem can be resolved using the fundamentals of energy and its classification. Solar energy is one of the major categories of renewable sources of energy, which can be converted to several other forms by means of some natural process or by using special setups like solar panels.

Complete step by step answer:
Solar energy is one of the free forms of energy that is obtained from the sun. It is one of the major categories of the renewable sources of energy that is widely used for domestic as well as industrial purposes. In order to achieve the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy, the device used for the purpose is known as the solar cells. The solar cells are the micro sensors of the thermal radiations, that collectively accumulate the thermal radiations in the form of energy and convert it to the form of electric energy. The solar cells collectively form the solar panel and are manufactured using materials like silicon, along with some doping techniques. They acquire the thermal energy and get the process into the electrical energy to run the household as well as industrial appliances. Rather solar heating devices cannot be used for such purposes because there is no such formation of electrical energy.
Therefore, solar energy is converted to electrical energy by the help of solar panels or solar cells, and option B is correct.

Note: In order to resolve the given, one must go through the information regarding the energy and its classifications. The forms of energy are to be analyzed, along with all the possibilities of its conversion. Moreover, the solar cells have the major role to play to achieve the conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy. Hence, the principle and construction of solar panels using solar cells are to be known.