The two most common processes are:

• concentration of the solar power using mirrors and lenses. This is similar to the process most of us used as children, when we concentrated the sun’s energy using a magnifying glass to such a degree that we could ignite a leaf.

• conversion of sunlight into electricity by means of photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells, which are commonly referred to as PVs, are also known as solar cells.

This process is not particularly new. In fact, the first known solar powered cell was constructed in the 1880s. What IS new is the level of efficiency now available from photovoltaic cells.

The first solar powered cells had efficiencies of less than 1%. By the mid 1950s, efficiencies of 4% to 6% were considered a real breakthrough.

This could work.