Hi Dennis,

You asked a broad question. Solar energy is used so many ways! We use the heat from the sun to do everything from cooking food and distilling water to heating homes. (The heat of the sun can even be used to cool, with a heat pump!) My field is converting the sun's energy to electricity with photovoltaic modules. Of course we use the energy of the sun by growing crops too. ...and the sun, as it heats the surface of the earth causes wind, which makes weather, which is where falling water comes from for hydroelectric power plants. Even lightning is caused by solar energy! If we harness even a little of that energy we have plenty!

That help?

Kelly