<human>:  How does solar energy work?
<bot>: Solar energy works by harnessing the sun's light and converting it into usable energy for things like electricity and heat. The process involves capturing the energy from the sun using solar panels that contain photovoltaic cells. When the sunlight hits the cells, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms, allowing the electrons to flow through the cell and into an electrical circuit. This flow of electrons is known as a current, which is used to power electrical equipment or to heat water or air.