How does the solar energy is stored in a battery?

How does the solar battery charged using solar panels?What is the mechanism that converts solar energy in to electrical energy? How can a car be run on solar energy?what could be its maximum speed?

How do solar panels and solar energy connect?

Does the solar energy hit the solar panels and creates electricity.. or what ?
Where can you put solar panels ?

How do you build a thermoelectric generator?

I am doing a project probably going to use solar power to see how much it can power or use waste heat in a home… does anyone know how to build one?

What reasonable steps can I take to better improve my household to be more environmentally friendly?

So far I:

– Recycle all glass bottles and jars
– Recycle all paper from home (and work!)
– Recycle Plastic bottles
– Take clothes to charity shop rather than chuck in landfill.

I am keen to both save money and resources by looking at alternative fuels, but I live in a tiny terraced house with a small garden so a wind-based generator and solar panels may be out of the question! Can I also make my car more environmentally friendly, as it is a petrol gulping 1990 ford escort!

Thanks