Solar energy comes from the sun and can be harnessed using various active and passive methods. There are different types of solar energy technologies including photovoltaics, solar thermal, concentrated solar power, and passive solar. Photovoltaics directly convert sunlight to electricity using solar panels while solar thermal uses sunlight to heat water or generate electricity. Concentrated solar power uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight and produce steam to drive turbines. Passive solar designs homes and buildings to naturally collect sunlight and heat.