Solar energy is energy obtained by directly converting sunlight into electricity or heat. This type of energy is becoming increasingly important in the global energy landscape due to its abundance, purity and sustainability. Here are some key points about solar energy:

1. Solar panels: Solar panels or photovoltaic panels are devices that use the photoelectric effect to convert sunlight directly into electricity. These panels contain silicon cells that generate an electric current when exposed to sunlight.
2. Solar heat: In addition to generating electricity, solar energy can also be used to generate heat. Solar collectors are used to absorb solar energy for heating water for households, room heating or for industrial processes.
3. Solar energy in households: Solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular source of energy for households around the world. These panels can be installed on the roofs of houses or on the ground, and the generated electricity can be used to power appliances, lighting and other consumers.
4. Commercial solar energy: In addition to households, solar energy is also used for commercial purposes, such as solar farms or solar parks. These large installations use thousands of solar panels to generate electricity for distribution to the power grid.
5. Advantages of solar systems: Solar energy is clean, renewable and inexhaustible, which makes it an environmentally friendly source of energy. Also, solar systems require minimal maintenance and can reduce energy costs over time.
6. Challenges of solar systems: Key challenges of solar systems include the variability of energy production due to weather conditions, the need to store energy for use when sunlight is not available, and the initial high installation costs.

Solar energy plays a key role in the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.