What type of energy is typically generated by solar panels?

Solar panels are specifically designed to convert sunlight into electricity, which is classified as solar energy. When sunlight strikes the panels, it energizes the electrons in the photovoltaic cells, leading to the generation of direct current (DC) electricity. This process is a direct application of converting renewable solar energy into a usable form of energy for various applications, such as powering homes, buildings, and even feeding into the electrical grid.

The other forms of energy listed—nuclear, thermal, and hydroelectric—are generated through entirely different processes that do not involve solar panels. Nuclear energy is derived from nuclear fission reactions, thermal energy is generally associated with heat produced from various processes (including combustion or geothermal sources), and hydroelectric energy comes from the movement of water, typically in dams. Each of these forms of energy relies on different technologies and natural resources, separating them from the fundamental operation of solar energy systems.