First of all, the solar energy has to be collected in order to convert this energy into different types of energy. For that reason, Eric Brown insists that "[m]ethods of collecting and storing solar energy vary depending on the uses planned for the solar generator (Brown). In other words, there are many different ways to gather solar energy. However, the need of this energy illustrates the best way (Brown). Mainly, "flat-plate collectors, focusing collectors, and passive collectors are the three methods of capturing solar energy (Brown).