Direct utilization of solar energy involves harnessing sunlight without the need for an intermediate conversion process, such as converting sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells.

1. Solar Water Heating:
   • Solar water heating systems capture sunlight to heat water for residential, commercial, or industrial use. There are two main types of solar water heating systems:
     • Active Solar Water Heating: Involves the use of pumps to circulate water or a heat-transfer fluid through the solar collector and into the storage system.
     • Passive Solar Water Heating: Relies on natural convection or gravity to circulate water or heat-transfer fluid without the use of mechanical pumps.
2. Solar Cooking:
   • Solar cookers and ovens use sunlight to heat and cook food. These devices often consist of reflective surfaces or concentrators that focus sunlight onto a cooking vessel. Solar cooking is particularly popular in off-grid or rural areas where access to conventional cooking fuels may be limited.
3. Solar Drying:
   • Solar drying involves using sunlight to dehydrate or dry various materials, such as food, agricultural products, or clothes. Solar dryers typically consist of a surface that absorbs and retains solar heat, allowing for the controlled drying of items without the need for electricity or conventional heating methods.

These direct solar energy utilization methods are considered passive solar technologies as they don’t involve the conversion of sunlight into electricity but instead leverage solar radiation for specific applications. They are often environmentally friendly and can contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability in various contexts.