Photovoltaic Solar Panels
The most common type of solar panel are photovoltaic solar cells, or PVs, which convert sunlight directly into electricity. Photovoltaic solar cells range in efficiency from about 15% to 30% efficiency.
Costs
As of 2016 prices for solar panels were esimated at $3 US per watt, however cost including installation was closer to $6.
Other Types of Solar Energy Collection
Other forms of solar energy collection (apart from the most obvious and important one of plant life) include:
- solar water heaters
- solar steam turbines