ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we will focus on solar energy and its conversion to other forms of energy. Solar energy is renewable and as an immaterial source, radiation, its emission is equally immaterial. In nature, it induces closed material cycles with overall outputs that closely resemble those of industry: mechanical, chemical, and electrical energy, and chemical products. These properties (i.e., renewability, no emissions, and closed material cycles) make solar energy an excellent candidate for energy supply to a sustainable society in the making.
