1. **Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Cells)**: The most common way to capture solar energy is through photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar panels. These panels are typically made of semiconductor materials, such as silicon, which can convert sunlight into electricity. When sunlight (photons) strikes the PV cells, it excites electrons in the semiconductor material, creating an electric current.


2. **Solar Thermal Systems**: Solar thermal systems capture the sun's energy to generate heat. These systems use sunlight to heat a fluid, such as water or a special heat transfer fluid, which can then be used for space heating, hot water production, or to drive a turbine to generate electricity.


There are various advantages to using solar energy:


- **Renewable**: Solar energy is a renewable source of energy, meaning it is virtually inexhaustible as long as the sun continues to shine.


- **Environmentally Friendly**: Solar energy production doesn't produce greenhouse gases or air pollutants, making it a clean energy source that contributes to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.


- **Low Operating Costs**: Once solar panels or thermal systems are installed, they have relatively low operating and maintenance costs compared to conventional fossil fuel-based energy sources.


- **Decentralized**: Solar panels can be installed on rooftops, in remote locations, or on a large scale in solar farms, making it a decentralized energy source that can reduce the strain on centralized power grids.


However, solar energy also has some limitations:


- **Intermittency**: Solar energy production is dependent on sunlight, so it's intermittent and varies with weather conditions and time of day. Energy storage solutions, like batteries, are often needed to provide consistent power when the sun isn't shining.


- **Initial Costs**: The upfront cost of installing solar panels or solar thermal systems can be relatively high, although it has been decreasing over the years due to technological advancements and incentives.


- **Space Requirement**: Large-scale solar installations require significant land or rooftop space, which may not always be readily available.


Despite these limitations, solar energy has seen significant growth and adoption as a clean and sustainable source of power, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy mix in many parts of the world. Advances in technology and decreasing costs continue to make solar energy a more attractive option for both residential and commercial applications.