It is a device that readily converts light into electric current via the photoelectric effect. The device is based on the discovery of Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel who realized that a number of materials let go of electrons when these hit rays of photos straight from light, causing an electrical current. Passive solar energy describes the harnessing of the energy of the sun without the need for mechanical devices. You can use windows that face south to give you natural light and additional heat for the home. There are many solar applications that a homeowner can rely on to get the most benefits out of passive solar energy like passive cooling, passive solar heating and daylighting. Only a small fraction of the available solar energy is utilized. Solar powered electrical generation depends on photovoltaics and heat engines. The uses of solar energy are only limited by human ingenuity. Some of the other uses of solar energy include space cooling and heating via solar architecture, solar hot water, solar cooking, potable water via distillation and disinfection, daylighting and high temperature process heat for industrial functions. Solar energy systems used on hot water heaters can actually help you save a considerable percentage on your utility bills, over 85% of the total electric water heating cost of your home. This is probably why a majority of the people who decided to invest in the solar hot water heating systems think that this is a wise decision indeed. The transfer of heat is triggered by the difference in the temperature of the objects. The rate of heat transfer is proportional to the difference in temperature. The bigger the difference in temperature between the items, the heat movement will be faster. Heat Movement Assessment It is important that people know more about the movement of heat to full appreciate solar thermal energy. Non-concentrating gatherers are ideal for regions that have lower amounts of direct sunlight and absorb the energy rays of the sun from direct and various reflecting angles. Solar power generation is under heavy research for ideal materials and processes of collecting the sun's energy and utilizing solar generators to create both heat and electricity.