The Basics of Solar Energy
Solar Energy is one of the world’s primary renewable sources, offering significant greenhouse gas emission reductions as well as less pollution production.
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Battery backups are essential for solar power, even if the sun is not shining.
Solar cells
Solar cells convert sunlight into direct current electricity, which can be used to power devices such as calculators, radios, satellites and spacecraft. Solar cells convert the sun’s rays into direct current electricity for electronic devices using two main processes: absorption of photons energy, which creates electron-hole pairs within semiconductor materials; and charge carrier separation. Silicon is typically the material of choice used for these processes in conventional p-n junction solar cells.
An electric field is applied across layers of n-type and p-type silicon to produce an imbalance of electrical charges, creating a depletion zone near its junction that causes electrons from one layer to move to fill holes in another layer; then through external wire extraction these electrons flow back out through external connections producing electricity flow. Solar cells are usually enclosed in glass and aluminium frames with Mylar/Tedlar or polymers such as EVA backsheets that create additive voltage. Then, these solar cells can be connected together to create an additive voltage.
Concentrated solar power plants
Solar thermal power plants focus and concentrate natural sunlight to create high-temperature beams. They then use this heat to generate electricity or to decarbonise industrial processes, like at the Mars Petcare plant in Wodonga that uses a graphite batteries at 900C for energy storage and to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
CSP systems are available in three different types: linear concentrators, dish/engines and solar power towers. With linear concentrators, sunlight is focused on a boiler to produce steam which in turn drives a turbine and creates electricity. Solar power towers, however, use solar energy directly to create electricity.
Some systems use mirrors on the top of power towers to direct sunlight onto receivers, which then generate electricity. One such example is Morocco’s Ouarzazate solar power station using both trough and tower technology and several hours of energy storage; all three technologies boast efficiency rates between 7%-25% depending on factors like system type used and other considerations.
Solar power towers
Solar power towers use thousands of computer controlled mirrors, known as heliostats, to focus sunlight on a central receiver located at the top each tower. The heat generated by this receiver can be used to boil water or power turbine generators that produce electricity. Some advanced designs use molten sodium stored in heated tanks to produce electricity.
This industry requires large, flat areas that are exposed to the sun. They should be situated in a country with a lot of sunshine and little cloud cover. These systems also use fluids that can be hazardous for heating and cooling, so it is important to protect the environment around them.
Solar thermal power plants are also heavily reliant on water resources. This is often used for the cleaning of heliostats or operations. These can pollute local environment and cause habitat loss. Solar thermal plants use water cooling as part of their operation which may harm wildlife populations.
Solar energy pros and cons
Solar energy is a sustainable and renewable source of power that does not produce greenhouse gases. Although initial costs of installing a solar energy system can take several years to recoup their initial outlay, the long-term investment pays dividends over decades – not only can you significantly lower or eliminate your electricity bill with solar panels installed but studies show they sell for about four percent more.
The cost of solar energy systems and battery storage is higher than other options. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each green energy option before making a decision.
