Vedaniti,
eam UNE Online
Solar Energy Project
Solar Energy
You must have seen wet clothes being kept in the sun to dry, do you know what energy is being
used here? It is the heat energy from the sun that makes the clothes dry. The energy radiated
from the sun can be used in many forms on Earth. The energy produced by the sun and
received by Earth in one hour is strong enough to meet global energy needs for almost a year.
Solar energy exists in two forms; humans can utilize heat and light, and both of them. Solar
power can also cause chemical reactions and generate electricity. Harnessing and using Solar
energy are some of the significant ways of achieving a clean future. As the green market is
growing in many countries, Solar power's share is also becoming a big part of sustainable
development
If you have been asked to write a short note on solar energy or need solar energy information in
English, this article is for you. Here we will give you a solar energy definition and also equip you
with solar energy project information.
Types of Solar Panels
Solar energy can be converted into usable energy, and there are many ways of doing it to get
heat, electricity, hot water, and even cooling buildings and industrial complexes. Solar panels
are equipment that can absorb the Sun's rays and generate heat or electricity with it. The most
common types of solar panels fit into three broad categories; monocrystalline, thin-film, and
polycrystalline. These solar panels are different from each other in the way they are made, the
cost involved in making them, their performances, appearance, and the kind of installation they
are best suited for. Each of these panels has unique features and capabilities. Solar cells have
semiconducting material that converts light into electricity. Silicon is used widely as the
semiconducting material in solar panels.
Based on the types of installation you require, you can choose the best fit from these three
explained below:
1. Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar PanelsVedaniti,
eam UNE Online
The Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar panels have solar panels made from silicon
wafers. The wafers are assembled into rows and columns in both of these panels to form a
rectangle. They are then covered with a glass sheet and framed together. The difference
between these two panels lies in the composition of silicon used in each of them. To make a
monocrystalline panel, a single pure silicon crystal is used. For a polycrystalline panel,
fragments of silicon crystals are used that are melted together to form a mould and then cut
into wafers.
2. Thin Film Solar Panels
The thin-film panels are made up of different materials and not just silicon. CdTe or Cadmium
telluride is the most common material used in making thin-film solar panels. Layers of CdTe are
placed between transparent conducting panels. These layers help capture sunlight. A top layer
of glass protects the panels. Thin-film panels could also be made from amorphous Si (a-Si)
which are non-crystalline wafers sitting on top of glass, metal, or plastic. Another popular
material used in thin-film solar panels is CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide).
Uses of Solar Energy
The use of solar energy greatly reduces long-term utility expenses like gas, electricity, etc. They
are renewable energy sources that have applications in the following sectors:
+ Residential Application
The residential applications comprise solar water heaters for heating water. This is
achieved by installing a photovoltaic cell on the roof of the house which collects the solar
energy to warm water. Solar energy is also used to generate electricity in residential
complexes. During the daytime, solar energy is captured in batteries and used to supply
power through the day and night. These uses of solar energy cut down energy
expenditures greatly.
+ Industrial Applications
The thermal energy from the Sun supplies power to warehouses, offices, and industries.
Even radio and TV stations are being powered through solar energy. In aircraft, solar
energy provides power to warning lights, and lighthouses also use solar energy.
+ Remote Applications
Remotely situated places like schools, hospitals, buildings, and clinics can also benefit
from the power generated by solar energy. Desalination plants also use solar energy
instead of electricity.Vedaniti,
eam UNE Online
* Transportation
Public transportation means like light-rails, buses, and trolleys use solar energy.
* Pool Heating
During the cold season, solar energy is used to heat swimming pools.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy Usage
Solar energy notes are not complete without talking about its miscellaneous advantages and
disadvantages.
Advantages of Solar Energy Systems
+ A Renewable Source of Energy
There is no way we can run out of solar energy. Solar energy can be applied around the
world in many areas. Sunlight will be available to us for 5 billion years, as per the
scientists
+ Reduction in Electricity Consumption and Bills
Since some of your energy needs will be met by solar energy, the amount of electricity
you consume from other sources would decrease, which in turn reduces your electricity
bills
* Low Maintenance Costs
All you need to do to maintain a solar system is to keep them clean. Most solar
equipment from reliable manufacturers has 20 to 25 years of warranty. There is no wear
and tear on a solar system since there are no moving parts involved in its working
+ It creates jobs as you employ solar panel manufacturers and installers, thereby helping
the economy.
*Solar systems are eco-friendly as there is no green gas emitted from them after
installation
Disadvantages of Solar Energy Systems
* High Initial CostVedaniti,
eam UNE Online
The cost of purchasing a solar energy system is quite high initially. The various costs
involved are the solar panel cost, batteries, inverters, wiring, and installation
+ They are Dependent on the Weather
On a cloudy or rainy day, it is still possible to collect solar energy, but its efficiency takes a
hit. Since solar systems depend on sunlight for their power, less sunlight can bring down
a solar system's performance.
* Storing Solar Energy is Expensive
If solar energy systems are not used up right away, they need huge batteries to be stored.
These batteries are used in off the solar grid systems and have to be charged throughout
the day to use them at night. This is an expensive solution to make solar energy available
during the night too.
+ Needs a Lot of Space
Depending on the level of electricity you want to produce, solar panels would increase in
number. These panels take a lot of space, and some roofs might not even fit in all the
solar panels you require.
Solar Energy Project Information
There are many DIY solar projects that school students, as well as engineering students, can try
on their own. Some ideas for solar energy projects are listed below:
+ Battery charger by using solar power.
* Solar charging station.
+ USB charger using solar technology.
+ Scare mosquitoes with solar energy.
* Solar lamp made with cardboard.
What Exactly Is Solar Energy?Vedaniti,
eam UNE Online
Solar energy is one of the renewable energies and is described as the transformation of energy
present in the sun. The majority of sunlight that enters the earth's atmosphere comes in the
form of visible light and infrared radiation. Plants utilize it to turn it into sugar and starches, a
process known as photosynthesis. This energy is converted into electricity using solar cell
panels.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Solar Energy
The following are some of the benefits of solar energy:
* Clean: It is regarded as the cleanest kind of energy since it emits no carbon dioxide,
unlike fossil fuels, which is one of the causes of global warming
+ Renewable: As long as the sun persists, there is an abundant supply of energy on Earth.
* Reliable: Because the energy can be stored in the batteries, there is no concern about
unreliability.
* Utility bills will be reduced.
* Because it is easily captured, free energy exists
Solar Energy has the following drawbacks:
* During the winter and on overcast days, productivity is poor.
+ Installation and the initial cost of supplies are both costly.
* More space is being consumed.
Solar Energy Types
Solar energy is categorized into two types based on the manner of conversion and the sort of
energy it produces. Passive and active solar energy are modes of conversion, as are solar
thermal energy, photovoltaic solar power, and concentrating solar power.Vedaniti,
eam UNE Online
* Passive solar energy is the capture of the sun's energy without the need for mechanical
means.
* Active solar energy collects, stores, and distributes energy using mechanical devices.
+ Solar thermal energy is the energy produced by turning solar energy into heat.
Solar Energy Initiative
Solar energy - one of the simplest scientific experiments that you may prepare for your school
fair science project is the experiment on the efficiency of the solar heating functioning model.
This functional model is quick, easy, and extremely enlightening
The outcome may differ if the project is carried out outside owing to wind and weather
conditions, hence it is advised that the experiment be carried out indoors.
Use reflectors to concentrate solar radiation in one tiny area to gather and store heat energy in
this solar heater project. The efficiency of solar energy will be demonstrated in this experiment.
Solar Energy's Important Applications
Solar energy is a renewable, limitless, and cost-effective source of energy. Solar devices are
classified into two types: active and passive. Pollution may be minimized to some extent by
using solar energy. One of the purest and clean kinds of energy. Heating, interior and outdoor
lighting, transportation, and other uses are examples. Some of the other applications are as
follows:
+ Solar energy applications in India
+ Solar energy is used to charge batteries
* Cooking with solar energy Houses with solar energy
Solar Energy Applications in IndiaVedaniti,
eam UNE Online
India is one of the most populous countries in the world, and because solar energy is
environmentally benign, it is ideal. It doesn't emit any carbon dioxide. It is an unlimited energy
source, making it a great substitute for nonrenewable resources. This energy may be used in
rural regions for a variety of applications such as cooking, drying, electricity generation, and so
on. Because electricity generation in India is expensive, solar energy is the most cost-effective
option.
Solar Cooking Energy
It is simple to cook with solar energy. Cooking in a solar oven instead of a standard oven will
save you money on your power bill. To cook in a solar box, you'll need a thermometer, an
aluminum foitlined box, pan duct tape, a cooking bag, and styrofoam insulation.
Industrial Solar Energy
Because of the utilization of heavy gear and equipment, industries need greater quantities of
power. Solar energy may be used to provide power. It is also used to protect pipelines against
corrosion. Solar energy will help you keep your electricity expenditures under control.
Battery Charging using Solar Energy
Batteries used to play video games, for example, can be charged during the day as a backup in
case of power outages. You may also charge the reserve battery bank in the sunshine
throughout the day and use it at night to conserve power.
Water Heater from the Sun
To replace traditional water heaters, there are two types of solar water heaters: active solar hot
water systems and passive hot water systems.
Solar PanelVedaniti,
eam UNE Online
Solar panels are mostly used to generate power from solar energy. The photons that impact the
solar cell lose electrons from their atoms, and the entire may be changed into an electrical
circuit with the right attachment of conductors on the positive and negative sides of a cell. The
movement of electrons across the circuit aids in the generation of electricity. A solar panel is
made up of many solar cells, and many panels can be combined to form a solar array. Let us
learn about the functions of solar panels and their practical use in real life in this session.
Solar Panel Applications
Solar panels are utilized in a variety of sectors depending on the need and need. The following
are some of the applications for solar panels:
*Solar panels may be utilized to provide power for the dairy industry's sterilizing,
pressurization, concentration, drying, and boiler feedwater processes.
* Solar panels can supply warmth for procedures such as sterilization, pasteurization,
bleaching, and cooking in the case of tinned food.
+ Textile: The textile sector is heavily reliant on the widespread usage of solar panels for
the effective use of solar energy. These are employed in processes such as bleaching,
dyeing, drying, degreasing, pressing, and so on.
+ Paper: Heat is required for many operations in this sector, and solar panels are used to
generate heat for activities such as drying, boiler feed water, bleaching, and so on
+ Solar panels are employed in the chemical industry to generate heat, which is utilized in
the manufacturing of soaps, synthetic rubber, processing heat, preheating water, and so
on.
* Beverages: We may envision solar panels being used extensively in the beverage industry
for procedures such as washing, sterilizing, and pasteurization:
*Solar panels are utilized in the timber industry in operations such as drying,
thermodiffusion beams, pre-heating water, and pulp preparation.
“Plastics: Solar panels are used to create heat for usage in processes such as
preparation, distillation, separation, extension, drying, blending, and so on.Trending topics
Vedaniti,
Lear UNE Online
| mn
Uniform Motion and Non Uniform
> Speed And Velocity
Motion
| ‘Average Speed and Average Velocity > | Contact and Non Contact Forces
°
°