The sun doesn’t just provide warmth and light it’s also a source of energy. Solar energy or solar power is the energy we generate from sunlight. Through a process known as the photovoltaic effect, we can convert energy from the sun’s rays into electricity that can power our TVs, refrigerators, lights and other appliances. To generate solar energy for your home or office, you need a solar power system. We’ll go over the parts of that system later in this guide, but first let’s talk about the most recognizable part of the system and solar panels.