Solar thermal energy is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the power of the sun to generate heat. It is used to heat water for domestic and industrial use, and to generate electricity. Solar thermal energy systems use mirrors and lenses to concentrate the sun's rays and convert them into usable heat
Solar thermal energy (STE) is a form of energy and a technology for harnessing solar energy to generate thermal energy for use in industry, and in the residential and commercial sectors. Solar thermal collectors are classified by the United States Energy Information Administration as low-, medium-, or high-temperature collectors. Low-temperature collectors are generally unglazed and used to heat swimming pools or to heat ventilation air. Medium-temperature collectors are also usually flat plates but are used for heating water or air for residential and commercial use.