We know that energy is the ability of an object to perform a task.

Energy exists in different forms such as kinetic energy and potential energy, which we have already learned in our school syllabus. Let’s analyze and know more about solar energy.

The word solar means the sun, and solar energy means the energy of the sun.

Every day, the Earth receives a huge amount of energy directly from the sun. Using special scientific methods, we can utilize solar energy. Solar energy can be converted into other useful forms of energy.

As an example, we can convert solar energy into electrical energy, and then electrical energy can be converted into heat energy, kinetic energy, and potential energy.

As a result, solar energy is the main source of energy, which can be easily converted into other forms of energy as well.

Do you know how solar energy reaches the Earth and how much solar energy reaches the Earth?

It is well known that light travels in waves. It is through the sunlight that solar energy reaches the Earth.

How much solar energy will be received by a 1m2 area in one hour if the solar constant is 1.4 kW/m2?

1-meter square area of the atmosphere to use one-hour kilowatt energy, which is also known as a solar constant. It means the solar energy absorption of the atmosphere is 1.4 KW/m2.

Let’s understand it by the formula:

Solar constant is 1.4k W/m2 or 1.4kJ/s/m2.

Solar energy received by 1 m2 area in 1s = 1.4kJ

Solar energy is received by 1 m2 area in one hour.

Its outer side now passes through the atmosphere. A reduction in total solar energy results from the following factors.

It is well known that the atmosphere contains a variety of gases. Hence solar energy is absorbed by gas particles, water vapors, dust particles, and reflection. On a clear day, it’s noon.

It is estimated that the intensity of solar energy reaching the Earth is about 1 KW/m2.

As a result, this energy can be converted or used to heat water or produce electrical energy. For example, we can convert solar energy into electrical energy through the use of semiconductor devices like silicon, these are called solar cells. Photovoltaic cells are also known as solar cells.

Solar cells are made up of silicon electrons and the silicone gains energy from the sunlight to create a voltage.

A single voltage or solar cell produces a very small amount of voltage. So that sufficient high voltage can be obtained for practical use. A large number of such solar cells are connected in CDs, forming a solar panel for cloudy days or nights.

Electric energy is stored in the sunlight and nickel-cadmium batteries by connecting them to solar panels. These batteries can then provide power to electrical appliances at night or on cloudy days. All solar cells are expensive, but they last for a long time and have low running costs.

Solar cells are used to power satellites having large solar panels which keep facing the sun. Additionally, solar watches and calculators are in use. Through this example, you’ll be able to understand how solar energy can help you power the gadgets that you use on a daily basis reducing their cost.

Industrial zones are now using solar energy to generate electricity. Solar energy provides electrical energy to tube wells. Nowadays, solar-powered cars are being introduced in several developed countries.

Remember that solar energy is renewable energy, reusable over and over again. Solar energy is an environmentally friendly source of energy. It means solar energy doesn’t pollute our environment because it doesn’t produce pollutant gas like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, etc.

To summarize this article, we learned that solar energy is the energy of the sun, which we can use in different ways for a long period without environmental hazards. This is why advanced countries such as the USA and other countries have invested billions in renewable energy.

How does Solar Energy work?

The most commonly used renewable energy source is solar energy. But how is solar energy used to generate electricity?

A photovoltaic or PV system is used to convert solar or light energy into electrical energy. A basic component of the PV system is known as the solar cell.

A single solar cell has the capacity of producing about zero to 5 volts of electricity.

A solar panel or solar module is a combination of several solar cells connected in series to generate usable voltage.

The solar panel voltage can be increased by increasing the number of solar cells.

For example, 30 solar cells connected in series will produce an output of 15 volts. A combination of solar panels connected is known as a solar array and can be used to achieve the required current and voltage.

Stage 1

The generation of electricity on exposure to sunlight is known as the photovoltaic effect.

A solar cell uses this principle to generate electricity. Solar cells are made up of semiconductors, mainly silicon, and comprises three layers.

The top layer, called the NType layer, is comparatively thin and contains a high concentration of electrons. The bottom layer, called the PType layer, contains a high concentration of holes.

When the PType and the NType semiconductor are joined, it forms an APN junction. On forming an APN junction, the electrons of the NType material try to reach the region, creating a negatively charged layer. Similarly, the holes of the PType material try to reach the end region, creating a positively charged layer.

This region between the two layers is known as the depletion region of the semiconductor.

Sunlight penetrates the top thin layer easily to reach the depletion region. Due to the deficiency of charge in depletion regions, it contains neutral atoms.

These neutral atoms are broken when the photons from the sunlight strike the depletion layer. This knocks the electrons from the neutral atoms, leaving behind the holes and producing free charge carriers. Then the electrons move towards the NType layer and the holes move towards the PType layer due to the electric field present in the depletion region, on connecting an electronic circuit, the electrons flow through it, generating electricity to electrical devices like bulbs, fans, etc.

Stage 2

There is a huge difference between solar panels and batteries.

Batteries are often limited to how they can be manufactured, waste and pollution can be caused during their manufacture, performance starts to degrade quite fast, and they often end up as landfill trash.

The earth is ~4 billion years old, and we have another ~15 billion years until the sun consumes all its fuel, so in practice, it’s not something that we need to worry about.

Since lithium batteries only last 2–3 years, when you take into account the coups and damage they do as 95% of them end up in landfills, it won’t be sustainable for very long.

Solar panels used to charge up the batteries also have a limited life, are not built with local materials, and are hard to recycle.

There are lots of other ways to gather and store solar energy though.

Something as simple as a pool of water or rock, can heat up during the day, and release it at night.

Rather than charging a lithium battery with a solar panel and then running a heater at night, there are other, better, cheaper, more sustainable solutions available.

Here are a few things you should know about solar energy:

How is solar energy a sustainable resource?

The use of solar energy does not generate waste or contaminate water, which is extremely important in a country where water is scarce. Hydrological resources are being conserved by using solar energy, instead of fossil fuels or nuclear power plants.

Do solar panels have a sustainable future?

Photovoltaic Panels and Solar Energy Today, as you may already be aware, solar energy is one form of renewable energy, i.e., the energy produced with resources that replace themselves more rapidly than humans consume them.

Is there a country that runs completely on renewable energy?

Iceland is a country that runs completely on renewable energy. It gets 75% of its electricity from hydropower, and 25% from geothermal.

What is the future of solar energy?

As one of the most important renewable and green energy sources, solar energy is an environmentally friendly technology. It contributes substantially to the sustainable development of energy solutions.

Wrap Up

The explanations I have provided are almost all detailed.
I hope that this information will assist you in your study in detail. I tried to answer almost all necessary question regarding Solar Energy .

Happy Reading