is there an alternative for solar panels that can collect and convert solar energy into electricity?

A solar panel is a device that collects and converts solar energy into electricity or heat which can be used by (for example) nearby buildings. But is there any device that acts like a solar panel?

3 thoughts on “is there an alternative for solar panels that can collect and convert solar energy into electricity?”

  1. There are different solar cell technologies around, such as solar cell paint, but they are all based on the same technology…

    not sure if that’s what you mean

  2. Besides the silicon type, there are a couple of types:

    1. the reflector type of solar power, which uses a mirrored dish to focus sunlight to boil water to drive a generator.
    2. using sunlight to heat a thermocouple which drives a current.

    Both of these are larger than your typical solar cell and are not really that efficient – yet.

    A solar cell is the only thing that converts photonic energy into electricity, although they can be made of silicon and other materials.

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