The Earth receives an
incredible supply of solar energy. Solar energy is produced by Sun–
photo voltaic energy is used for the generation of electricity or the production
of heat. Since it comes from the Sun, solar energy is inexhaustible and
renewable, harnessed using panels and mirrors. The amount of
solar radiation hitting on earth over a three-day is equivalent to the energy
stored in all fossil energy sources.
Solar power used in two
forms, thermal and photo voltaic. The first concentrates sunlight, converts it
into heat, and applies it to a steam generator or engine to be converted into
electricity in order to heat water, generate electricity etc. Electricity is
generated when the heated fluid drives turbines or other machinery. The second
form of solar power produces electricity directly without moving parts. Photo voltaic
system is composed of cells made of silicon. Power is produced when sunlight
strikes the semiconductor material and creates an electric current.The smallest
unit of the system is a cell. Cells wired together form a module, and modules
wired together form a panel. A group of panels is called an array, and several
arrays form an array field.
Photo voltaic solar cells convert sunlight directly into electricity called as photo voltaic effect,
by which certain materials are able to absorb photons and liberate electrons,
generating an electric current. Photo voltaic power even has advantages over
wind power, hydro power, and solar thermal power. The latter three require
turbines with moving parts that are noisy and require maintenance.
What are the benefits
of solar energy?
Solar energy offers
many benefits that make it one of the most promising energy forms. It is renewable,
non-polluting and available planet-wide. Solar energy is also
useful for generating electricity on a large scale. Solar modules are relatively
easy to maintain and low cost of photo voltaic cells explains the favorable
outlook for solar technology. Solar plants also do not produce polluting gases
and are silent.Some of the benefits are:
Renewable
Inexhaustible
Non-polluting
Avoids global warming
Reduces use of fossil
fuels
Reduces energy imports
Generates local wealth
and jobs
Contributes to
sustainable development
It is modular and very
versatile, adaptable to different situations
Can be applied alike
for large-scale electricity generation and on a small scale in areas isolated
from the network.
Comments
Post a Comment