Solar thermal-electric power systems collect and concentrate sunlight to produce the high temperatures needed to generate electricity. Solar thermal collectors are classified by the United States Energy Information Administration as low-, medium-. . Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. This energy can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage. Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available, and the U.