• Large solar power plants exist across California.solar panels image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  The sun's thermal rays can be converted into solar power, a renewable energy source that can be used to heat water and provide electricity for homes, businesses and small appliances. There are four main ways to harvest solar power.
  
  

Photovoltaic Devices

• Photovoltaic devices are actually several small cells arranged on a panel. Each photovoltaic cell absorbs the photons in sun rays and converts them directly into electricity. Each photovoltaic cell produces one or two watts of energy, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Photovoltaic devices typically power smaller areas, such as individual homes or small appliances.
  
  

Parabolic Troughs

• Parabolic troughs are comprised of a long reflector with a receiver pipe located at the focal point of the trough. The reflector attracts the sun's rays and drives them to the receiver pipe. The receiver pipe heats a fluid, which is sent to a central location where the liquid is converted into steam, which feeds a turbine that, in turn, powers a generator. Solar troughs rotate with the direction of the sun, ensuring they receive power while the sun is up.
  
  

Solar Dish

• The solar dish is one of the most powerful solar generators and can work independently or in a network of other dishes. A solar dish uses solar collectors that follow the rays of the sun. The collected energy goes to electrical conversion equipment located at the bottom of the dish.
  
  

Solar Power Tower

• A solar power tower comprises two parts--a receiving tower and a several smaller tracking devices known as heliostats. The heliostats are made from several mirrors, which follow the pattern of the sun, reflecting rays onto the receiving tower. The receiving tower uses the energy to heat fluid and convert it in to electricity.