What different energies can solar transform into?

Solar energy is a diverse resource that can be harnessed for many purposes. The sun sends solar radiation to earth in the form of thermal energy. Solar thermal power captures that radiation as heat, using it to create electricity or directly heat buildings and domestic water supplies.

In addition to thermal energy, solar power can be converted into electrical energy. This is done using solar thermal power, as mentioned above, in which solar radiation is collected to produce steam to spin an electric turbine. Solar radiation can also be converted directly into electrical energy using photovoltaic panels. Here, radiation is used to "excite" electrons in a semiconductor, creating an electric current.

Arguably, solar energy can be converted into mechanical energy as well, in that it creates the electricity used to power machines. The law of conservation of energy dictates that energy is strictly conserved. Considering that the sun is the primary component of life on planet earth, it's not a stretch to say that solar energy is the source of all types of energy.