A solar energy conversion system (SECS),[1][2][3] or solar energy harvester are general terms that could be used for any machine that, powered by solar energy, either generates energy that can be used to directly heat a fluid or gas (passive solar) or generate electricity (PV, CPV, PETE,...). The term can thus refer to:
- Thermal solar energy conversion systems (generally passive solar systems without mirrors or lenses),
- Photovoltaic solar systems (PV),
- Biohybrid solar cells,
- Dye-sensitized solar cells,
- Luminescent solar concentrators (a type of concentrated photovoltaics or CPV technology),
- Concentrating solar power systems,
- Photon Enhanced Thermionic Emission systems,...[4]
Operation
The conversion of the energy of the power of the sun into more useful forms is done using a variety of ways, each depending on the type of system employed. See photovoltaics.
See also
- Optimum orientation of solar energy harvesters
- energy harvesting
- Wind energy conversion system
- Thermal energy conversion system
- Hydro energy conversion system
