Photovoltaic- convert light into electric current using the photoelectric effect whereas concentrated solar power- systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam.Today, solar energy is used in two main forms for power. The first is thermal solar power where the sun is used to heat fluid, which drives turbines or other machinery. The second is photovoltaic conversion (solar panels) where electricity is produced directly from the sun.

Solar Power Satellite: It is the concept of collecting solar power in space for use on Earth. It has been in research since the early 1970s Solarlight. The solar energy collected by an SPS would be converted into electricity, then into microwaves. The microwaves would be beamed to the Earth’s surface, where they would be received and converted back into electricity by a large array of devices known as a rectifying antenna, or retina. Benefits of such systems are higher collection rate, longer collection period, elimination of weather concerns, and elimination of plant and wildlife interference and redirect able power transmission.
Solar Lighting: This is the use of natural light to provide illumination to offset energy use in electric lighting systems and reduce the cooling load on HVAC systems. Day lighting features include building orientation, window orientation, exterior shading, saw tooth roofs, clerestory windows, light shelves, skylights, and light tubes. Architectural trends increasingly recognize day lighting as a cornerstone of sustainable design.
Solar Cars: A solar car is an electric vehicle powered by energy obtained from solar panels on the surface of the car which convert the sun’s energy directly into electrical energy. Solar cars are not currently a practical form of transportation. Although they can operate for limited distances without sun, the solar cells are generally very fragile. Development teams have focused their efforts on optimizing the efficiency of the vehicle, but many have only enough room for one or two people.