Energy from the sun creates solar power.  When the energy is captured, it is stored in many different ways. One common way solar energy is captured is through solar cells. Each cell transforms light energy into electrical energy. This technology is called photovoltaics (PV), which means photo (light) and voltaic (generation of electricity). 

Concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies use mirrors and lenses to reflect (throw back light) and refract (change light's direction when it enters at an angle) sunlight onto collectors where it is transformed into thermal energy (heat energy).  It can also be used to generate electricity. 

Passive solar technologies make use of the sun’s energy for heating and lighting buildings, reducing the amount of electricity or gas needed to maintain a comfortable living or working environment. The cost of solar energy used to be quite pricey, but with recent technology developments and tax breaks for homeowners who install solar panel technologies, it has become more reasonable. 

See this video from PBS Learning Media to learn more about solar power technologies:  https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/nvel.sci.tech.solar/solar-power/