Solar Energy

Introduction

Solar energy is the radiant energy emitted by the sun, which is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, and artificial photosynthesis. It is an important source of renewable energy and its technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending on how they capture and distribute solar energy or convert it into solar power.

Solar Energy Technologies

Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics (PV) are a method of generating electric power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels composed of a number of solar cells containing a photovoltaic material.

Solar Heating

Solar heating systems are a well known second-generation technology and generally consist of solar thermal collectors, a fluid system to move the heat from the collector to its point of usage. The system may use electricity for pumping the fluid, and have a reservoir or tank for heat storage and subsequent use.

Solar Thermal Energy

Solar thermal energy (STE) is a form of energy and a technology for harnessing solar energy to generate thermal energy for use in industry, and in the residential and commercial sectors.

Artificial Photosynthesis

Artificial photosynthesis is a research field that attempts to replicate the natural process of photosynthesis, converting sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and oxygen. The process is significant because it could create a clean, and virtually inexhaustible energy resource.

Solar Energy Production

Solar energy production encompasses several power sources, both passive and active. It's important to differentiate between the two, as each has different capabilities and applications.

Passive Solar

Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.

Active Solar

Active solar technologies encompass solar thermal energy, using solar collectors for heating, and solar power, converting sunlight into electricity either directly using photovoltaics (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP).

Solar Energy Storage

Solar energy storage is an important issue. While the sun is an excellent source of energy, not all places on Earth receive the same amount of sunlight. The amount of sunlight that a place receives depends on its geographical location, time of day, season, and weather conditions. Therefore, storing solar energy is crucial to its effective use.

Solar Energy and the Environment

The use of solar energy offers huge potential for natural resource and climate protection, and for the expansion of renewable energies on the road to a future-oriented energy supply.