Two forms of energy that we use every day are electrical energy and heat. During the 20th century we came to rely on fossil fuels as the ultimate source of these energy forms but now, energy from renewable sources is becoming more commonly used. This program investigates the three main ways in which we currently use solar energy to power our homes: solar hot water, solar photovoltaic ? solar panels to generate electricity directly, and solar thermal arrays that use heat from sunlight to generate electricity in large commercial plants. We explain the science involved in each type in straightforward terms, look at practical considerations and take a look at new developments in this exciting area of renewable energy generation.