Unlike solar thermal energy which transforms soalr energy to heat for industrial or household reasons, PV cells can directly change sunlight into electricity. The Solar Array The solar array is made of hundreds of photovoltaic solar cells that transform sunlight into electricity. To build an array, the PV cells have to be packed together to form modules that are positioned together to create an array. Introduction to Active Solar Energy Active solar energy is used by several homes, offices and other structures today because of its many benefits. Generally, active solar energy is described as the use of mechanical devices to gather, store and distribute solar energy inside the home. Active solar energy water heating systems use pumps so that water is circulated well within the system. Solar Energy in the Years to Come At present, it is safe to say that it is fast becoming a part of your daily life. Solar energy is being used more commonly nowadays, in most homes, and even in the work place. And since this particular form of alternative energy is becoming more and more viable, new and better applications for its technology are now being developed for the future. If done right, you can actually lower your annual utility bill by as much as 80%, which is very significant, especially if you are trying to find ways to save some money. Also, there are certain programs that allow solar energy systems user to sell back energy or electricity that they were not able to consume to the utility provider, giving you more ways to save money. 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. The first solar cells were made by Charles Fritts during the 1880s. Even though the prototype selenium cells converted below 1% of incident light into electricity, James Clerk Maxwell and Ernst Werner von Siemens realized the importance of the finding. On Installation Even though solar cell panels are readily available in most hardware stores and the internet, not everyone is still capable of installing the devices properly. The initial setup costs may be very expensive for some individuals. Women may especially find that tasks hard to do unless they rely on a professional to do all the work.