How Solar Energy Works
HowStuffWorks discusses how those solar cells turn sunlight into renewable energy. The great example is how some calculators never need batteries, they run on the sun! There is also a section on making solar panels out of silicon and the "anatomy" of a solar cell.
The Energy Story - Chapter 15
Chapter 15 of The Energy Story explains more about solar energy. They also tell you about the three ways the sun's energy can be used:
Solar hot water
Solar thermal electricity
Solar cells or photovoltaic energy (these are the kinds you see on building roofs)
Solar hot water
Solar thermal electricity
Solar cells or photovoltaic energy (these are the kinds you see on building roofs)