Sun rays tapped in photovoltaic cells can be converted into energy, known as solar energy.

The two effective processes considered to be very effective to tap solar energy are photovoltaics and solar thermal technology.

(i) Solar thermal technology has some relative advantages over all other non-renewable energy sources.

(ii) It is cost competitive, environment friendly and easy to construct.

(iii) Solar energy is 7 per cent more effective than coal or oil based plants and 10 per cent more effective than nuclear plants.

(iv) It is generally used more in appliances like heaters, crop dryers, cookers, etc.