Solar power generates electricity by using either solar thermal systems that convert sunlight into heat to produce steam that drives a generator, or photovoltaic systems, which transform sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This energy can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage. Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar energy. Here's a deeper look into the full process: To find out how solar power works, you need to. Solar energy absorption is the process where matter transforms electromagnetic radiation from the sun into other energy forms, primarily heat. It plays a role in natural systems and human technologies.