Solar energy can be converted into electricity and heat, but the efficiency of converting sunlight into electricity is not very high. To improve this, scientists have combined solar panels with thermal collectors to create hybrid systems. These systems are more efficient at capturing and using solar energy. The International Energy Agency has even created a special group to study these hybrid systems. Research in this area has shown that combining photovoltaic and thermal collectors can increase energy production and efficiency. Future studies will continue to explore ways to improve these hybrid solar systems.