Solar energy definition

Solar energy is one of essential sources of renewable energy that comes from the sun, in the form of heat and light. Solar energy is created by nuclear fusion that takes place in the sun.  It can be converted into heat energy and electricity.

In the 21^st century, solar energy is expected to become the most potential renewable energy source because of its endless supply and its clean character, completely opposite of fuels coal, petroleum and natural gas.

Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages

Solar energy advantages:

• Solar energy is clean because it causes no pollution and reduces greenhouse gas emission
• solar energy is an Inexhaustible energy source
• Little need for maintenance equipment because they can withstand different climate situations
• Solar energy can be stored in the batteries
• Free energy because it is harnessed from the sun
• Reduced dependence on fossil fuels
• Help you to save electric bill

Solar energy disadvantages:

• Solar energy depends on the weather, low productivity during winters and on cloudy days.
• Initial Installation cost is expensive.
• Occupy more space for production

Types of Solar Energy

There are 2 types of solar energy technologies: photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP)

1. Photovoltaics (PV)

Photovoltaics is the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect, a phenomenon studied in physics, photochemistry, and electrochemistry. The photovoltaic effect is commercially utilized for electricity generation and as photo sensors

A photovoltaic system employs solar modules, each comprising a number of solar cells, which generate electrical power. PV installations may be ground-mounted, rooftop-mounted, wall-mounted

2. Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power

Concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) systems use mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a receiver that collect solar energy and convert it into heat. This heat is known as thermal energy that can be used to spin a turbine or power an engine to generate electricity. It is used primarily in very large power plants.

Solar Panel

A solar panel, or photo-voltaic (PV) module, is an assembly of photo-voltaic cells mounted in a framework for installation. Solar panels use sunlight as a source of energy to generate direct current electricity. A collection of PV modules is called a PV panel, and a system of panels is an array. Arrays of a photovoltaic system supply solar electricity to electrical equipment

Solar battery stores solar energy that produced by your solar panels for later use. In some cases, solar battery has its own inverter and offer integrated energy conversion. The higher your battery’s capacity, the more solar energy it can store.

Thanks to solar panels, you produce electricity and can therefore power the electrical equipment in your home (household appliances, electronics, and lighting).

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaics

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_panel