Solar Energy: Journal, Uses, Types, Benefits

Solar Energy Journal Covering Uses, Types of Solar Energy, Benefits / Advantages and Disadvantages, How it Works, Examples and Importance.

In this Journal, we Learn about Solar Energy Covering its Uses, Types, Benefits / Advantages and Disadvantages, How it Works, Examples and Importance.

What is Solar Energy?

Solar Energy is the fastest growing power supply source in the world. The sun  has been producing heat for billions of years. This heat of the sun can be converted into other forms, such as heat and electrical energy or electricity.

Even though, renewable energy has existed ever since the existence of our solar system, its potential was not recognized until 1830 when a British astronomer, John Herschel, used a solar thermal collector box to cook food during an expedition to Africa. This thermal collector device absorbed sunlight to collect heat and cook the food.

This technology to use energy from the sun is now advanced and is used to several purposes such as solar water heater, light, cooker and several other purposes where electricity is needed.

Solar Power

Converting sunlight into electricity is called solar power. This conversion of sunlight into electricity can be done by using Photovoltaic (PV), or with concentrating solar power (CSP).

Solar Photovoltaic Cells

Solar Cell,  Module and Panel

Photovoltaic Cell or PV Cell are an array PV cell. These PV cells are made up of photovoltaic material that converts solar radiation into direct current (DC) electricity.

Semiconductor Materials used for photovoltaic include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, microcrystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium selenide /sulfide.

Solar Photovoltaic Panels

Solar Panels (SP) / Modules or photovoltaic (PV) panels are made from electrically connected array of PV Cells.

Solar Electricity

How PV Cells Work to Generate Electricity

Solar electricity can be produced in two ways:

  1. Using Photovoltaic (PV devices);
  2. Concentrating Solar Power Plants

Read: Solar Energy Cost

Solar Battery

Types of Solar Battery

Solar Battery is used to store solar energy (electricity). These batteries discharge power as and when needed. Rechargeable batteries are used in off-grid PV systems to store excess electricity.

Some such battery banks use wet cells, while others use sealed or gel cell batteries. NiMH batteries are preferred and most common because they are better than standard NiCAD batteries in terms of charging and release cycles.

Solar Lights

Solar Home Lighting System

Solar lights are in fact a very cost-effective way for both indoor and outdoor lighting requirements. LED bulbs are used in most such lights because they consume less electricity and produce more bright light.

Indoor and outdoor solar lighting has gained popularity over recent years. Use of these lights can not only save the environment but it can also save money on your electricity bills.

Home Solar Panels

Home Solar Panels are best way to use energy of the Sun at home. People install PV Panel Roofs and Roof Shingles. Many people think that installation of such roofs or panels is too complicated. This is not the case. There are many companies that can help you to find the right set up for all your energy needs. These companies can also do the installation for you.

Uses of Solar Energy

Some of the most common products using solar energy are – solar water heaters and coolers, cookers, pool heaters and fountains, birdbaths, garden accents, and outdoor lights.

Other less common products include – solar clothing, toys, ovens, laptop battery chargers etc.

Solar Energy Companies

Some of the best and most prominent solar energy companies in the world in terms of market popularity are:

S. No. Company Country
1. Jinko Solar China
2. JA Solar China
3. Tata Power Solar India
4. Trina Solar China
5. LONGi Solar China
6. Canadian Solar Canada
7. Hanwha Q-Cells South Korea
8. Resin Energy China
9. GCL-SI Hong Kong
10. First Solar USA

Types of Solar Energy

Solar energy can be classified into following major 3 Types:

1. Solar Thermal Energy

Energy from sun can be used for heating. It is called Solar thermal energy.

Examples: Solar water heater and pool heating system, Solar space heating, Solar thermal cooling

2. Photovoltaic Solar Power

Converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells is called Photovoltaic Solar Power.

Examples: Small Scale Solar electricity generation, Photovoltaic solar lighting

3. Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

Generating large scale electricity is called Concentrating solar power. This technology is used by alternative energy suppliers such as Green Mountain Energy Company.

Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  1. The first and foremost advantage is that it is completely free and green and renewable. It is also termed as green energy.
  2. Solar electricity is efficient and can save money for you in the form of huge electricity bills.
  3. It also helps to preserve our environment.
  4. It is undoubtedly the energy and power source of the future.

Disadvantages

  1. The very first disadvantage is that it is not constant. The amount of sunlight reaching the earth depends on several factors such as location, time of day, time of year, and weather conditions.
  2. Second drawback is that it is spread over a large surface on earth. Therefore, a large surface area is needed to collect the energy for any useful purpose.

FAQs: What is Solar Energy?

Solar panels contain semiconductor materials that generate a flow of electrons when exposed to sunlight. This flow creates direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into alternating current (AC) through an inverter, making it usable for powering homes and businesses.

Using solar energy has numerous benefits, including reduced electricity bills, decreased reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, potential financial incentives and tax credits, and contributing to a cleaner environment and sustainable future.

Solar energy can be a great fit for many homes. Factors such as location, available sunlight, roof orientation, and shading should be considered. Consulting with a solar installation professional can help determine if solar panels are a viable and beneficial option for your specific situation.

To install solar panels, you need to have some prior hands-on-experience. To install solar panels, follow this guide - Solar Panel Installation Guide – Step by Step Process

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Santosh Das

Santosh, founder of this Electronics Tutorial Website, is an Electronics Geek, Blogger and Young Entrepreneur. He possesses vast experience in the field of electronics, electronic components, PCB, Soldering, SMT, Telecommunication, ESD Safety, and PCB Assembly Tools, Equipment and Consumables. Keep visiting for daily dose of Tips and Tutorials.

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21 Responses

  1. July 28, 2019

    […] A single photovoltaic Module can produce very little electricity. This energy is too less for use in any household or for a commercial purpose. Hence, an array of such PV Modules are electrically connected together to form a larger Solar Photovoltaic Panel. A PV Panel can have any number of PV Modules depending requirement of Solar Energy. […]

  2. July 28, 2019

    […] turbines can be rotated by any means – coal, steam, nuclear energy, renewable energy such as solar energy etc. In most power plants, turbines are rotated by the pressure of steam. This steam is created by […]

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    […] sun has produced Solar Energy for billions of years. Solar energy is the sun’s rays (solar radiation) that reach the Earth. […]

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    […] used in industries like Aerospace, Defense, Wireless Telecommunication, Medical, Renewable and Solar Energy. Official […]

  10. September 16, 2019

    […] much electricity bills, solar panels may have the answer to your problems. Solar panels use up the solar energy to generate energy, and that will not cost you anything, except for the initial costs of […]

  11. September 18, 2019

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  12. September 21, 2019

    […] Radiation is Free and Clean and Renewable Source of Energy. Converting Solar Radiation to Solar Energy is Pollution-Free. The PV Cell, Module and Panel Create No Pollution at all. Since the Sun has been […]

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    […] batteries are preferred and most common when it comes to solar energy because they are better than standard NiCAD batteries in terms of charging and release […]

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    […] fossil fuel energy sources have lead to research and development of alternative sources of energy. Solar energy is most prominent of alternative and renewable green energy that can be used for both commercial […]

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