Research on solar energy

Written by: Hael Aljazi

Definition of Solar Energy:

Solar energy is defined as the energy resulting from converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic solar cells. It is one of the most important and fastest growing renewable energy sources, promising a promising future in providing energy for various uses.

Every location on Earth receives some amount of sunlight throughout the year, but the amount of solar radiation received by a single spot varies from one place to another on the Earth's surface. This amount is called solar radiation, also known as photovoltaic radiation, which is emitted from the sun in the form of light that solar energy technologies capture and convert into useful forms of energy.

Solar Energy Uses Photovoltaic Energy Systems Photovoltaic energy systems are one of the most common ways to use solar energy, and are also known as solar cell systems. They produce electricity directly from sunlight. When solar panels are exposed to sunlight, these cells absorb energy from sunlight, and this energy generates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electric field in the cells, which leads to the flow of electricity.

This system consists of solar cells made of semiconductor materials. When these materials are exposed to sunlight, solar energy stimulates the electrons in the atoms of these materials to move away from the nuclei; This causes them to move through the semiconductor material, thus generating electricity that can be used directly or stored in batteries. The process of converting sunlight (photons) into electricity (voltage) is called the photovoltaic effect.

Concentrated Solar Power Systems Concentrated solar power systems rely on the use of mirrors and lenses to concentrate a large amount of sunlight on a small area, then convert the solar energy into heat.

The concentrated solar power system consists of 3 main units, which are as follows:

Solar field:

The solar field converts solar energy into thermal energy. Heat tank: Stores thermal energy using molten salt as a heat storage medium.

Power generation unit:

Electricity is generated in this unit using steam turbines that operate on steam generated from solar energy.

Heat tank:

Stores thermal energy using molten salt as a heat storage medium. Power generation unit: Electricity is generated in this unit using steam turbines that operate on steam generated from solar energy.

Solar Heating Systems

Solar heating systems use thermal energy from the sun to provide hot water and heating for residential, commercial and industrial facilities. These systems provide an alternative to the use of electricity or natural gas. These systems consist of three main components: the main collector, insulated pipes, and a hot water tank. These systems can include optional tools, such as electronic control units and a freeze protection system when needed, especially in areas with cold climates. These systems provide adequate indoor temperature in two ways, as follows:

Active solar heating method:

The appropriate heat is provided in this way by circulating hot water or gas through a pump or fan.

Passive solar heating method:

This method allows heat to be transferred inside buildings in a natural way without using external energy.

Benefits of Solar Energy for the Individual

The use of solar energy at the individual level has many benefits, including the following:

A source of renewable energy:

Solar energy is considered a renewable energy source; it is available every day in various parts of the world, and solar energy does not run out unlike some other energy sources, and humans can benefit from solar energy for at least 5 billion years; that is, until the end of the remaining life of the sun, according to what scientists have determined.

A way to reduce energy bills:

A person can replace the energy sources he uses with solar energy generated by the solar system he uses, so the value of savings in energy bills will depend on the amount of electricity and heating used, in addition to the size of the existing solar system, the larger its size, the less the need to use other energy sources and the lower the price of the bills due.

Various applications:

Solar energy is used in many applications in addition to generating electricity and heat; it can also be used to distill water in areas that lack clean water, as well as to operate satellites in space.

Low maintenance costs:

Solar energy systems are considered to be systems that do not require much maintenance, and it is sufficient to clean them several times a year by the person himself or specialized cleaning companies.

Benefits of solar energy on the environment:

• The use of solar energy has many benefits for the environment, including the following:

• Water conservation.

• Reducing air pollution.

• Slowing down climate change.

• Reducing the impact of carbon emissions.

• Reducing dependence on traditional organic fuels.

  
  

Obstacles to using solar energy:

There are many reasons to switch to the option of using renewable energy sources as an alternative to traditional sources, but there are some obstacles that prevent the world from relying on them primarily, including the following:

Initial construction cost:

The cost of establishing a solar energy system depends on the location, the number of panels required, installation requirements, labor fees, and others, and this cost is high; therefore, some families cannot afford it without resorting to loans.

Night use:

Solar energy systems need the sun to work, so at night these systems cannot generate electricity, and the person needs to rely on other sources to obtain energy. It is worth noting that some solar panel systems contain backup batteries, but they are optional, and do not come with all systems.

The need for space:

Solar panels need space to install them, and the greater the required consumption, the greater the space required to install the solar energy system.

Location:

The intensity and availability of the sun varies from place to place. In some parts of the world, the sun does not appear for several days in the winter; This leads to the problem of not being able to supply electricity to those who rely on solar energy, and the solar eclipse also affects solar energy generators.