As a funtion of final energy produced we can classify the applications of solar energy depending of solar energy conversion:

BIOLOGIC TRANSFORMATION
Through of photosynthesis mechanism, the solar radiation produce oxigen and organic substance coming from water a carbonic dioxide. In the organic substance the energy is stored like chemical energy and can be used for different proporsals: for animal and human feeding, for coal production coming from wood, et cetera...

We call biomass to this energy which come from photosynthesis of plants.

PHOTOVOLTAIC TRANSFORMATION
The use of semiconductors which transform the solar radiation to electrical energy started to use with the power supply of satellites in the space. The market was open to other systems when the prices started to decrease. This systems are used for electrical applications in isolated places from electrical network like telecommunication systems, rural electrify, et cetera... Current invetigations look at auxiliary systems and improve the electrical lines, systems connected to the electrical network with integration in the building sector or low power central systems.

The applications are all you can think usable with electricity with direct current or alternating current.