Various types of solar energy are available today. These sources include: Concentrating solar power, Active solar energy, Indirect solar energy, and Photovoltaics. The types of solar energy available vary according to region and season, and the technology must be combined with other sources to create the maximum effect. Areas with more radiation are generally rural and have few economic activities. Although it is possible to harness solar energy in large towns and cities, the upfront investment required to install solar panels may be prohibitive for many consumers. Moreover, solar technology is still developing and not fully efficient.
Indirect solar energy
Solar energy is a renewable source of energy. It is possible to harness it in a variety of ways. Direct solar energy examples include solar panels and solar thermal energy. Indirect solar energy examples include wind and wave power. The flow of wind and waves is caused by variations in atmospheric pressure caused by the sun.
Another type of indirect solar energy is biomass, which is made from organic materials like trees and plants. This type of energy is carbon-neutral and eco-friendly. It is a renewable source of energy and requires little initial investment. Several power plants use biomass to generate electricity. Biomass power plants can reduce carbon emissions, reduce pollution, and produce carbon-neutral electricity.
Another indirect solar energy example is geothermal energy. Although this form of energy is best felt deep inside the earth, it is still useful for a variety of other purposes. In some cases, excessive heat generated by the sun can cause the decay of rocks or volcanic eruptions. This type of energy is a perfect example of indirect solar energy.
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics are solar panels that collect sunlight and convert it into electricity. These cells are a popular way to generate renewable energy. They have numerous uses, from solar-powered calculators to space-based power stations. And thanks to recent breakthroughs in solar-cell technology, these panels are becoming increasingly efficient.
Photovoltaics use semiconductor materials to convert light directly into electricity. They work by knocking electrons loose from atoms and allowing them to flow freely. They can be ground-, rooftop-, or wall-mounted. Some solar cells also make use of a solar tracker to follow the sun.
The solar cells that make up a solar panel need to be protected from the environment. The cells are typically packaged into solar modules. Since 1976, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has been tracking solar-cell efficiency.
Concentrating solar power
Concentrating solar power, also known as solar thermal energy, is a renewable source of electricity. It works by concentrating sunlight onto a small area. This concentrated energy turns a heat engine to produce electricity. It is sometimes coupled with thermal energy storage systems. This allows energy produced during times of high solar irradiance to be dispatched more reliably.
Concentrating solar power is a sustainable and versatile renewable energy resource. However, it may not be right for every community. For instance, the upfront costs of a CSP installation are often high. This technology also requires thermal energy storage systems to store excess energy. Also, it can only produce electricity during the day and can be susceptible to intermittent blackouts.
A CSP plant consists of two major parts: a concentrator and a turbine. A concentrator gathers solar radiation from the sun and converts it into thermal and electrical energy using mirrors. The heat from the sun is used to heat water and drive a turbine, which then produces electricity. A CSP plant can generate around 1,800 MWac of electricity.
Active solar energy
There are many benefits of active solar energy systems, including reduced electricity bills and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The effectiveness of these systems depends on several factors, including location, house size, and the type of system you choose. Although solar PV is the most popular choice for homes, solar thermal is still an excellent option as well.
Active solar energy is different from passive solar energy because it uses electrical or mechanical equipment to convert solar energy. Solar panels are a common example of active solar energy systems. These systems use photovoltaic cells to convert the sun’s rays into electrical energy. They typically involve mounting, cabling, and a solar inverter. Other electrical accessories are also needed to set up a functional system.
Passive solar heating reduces the need for electrical heating, and can keep the inside of the home cooler during warmer months. Passive solar heating uses a simple model of a house to determine which side is facing the sun. Summer sun rises higher in the sky, so this orientation will keep the house cooler during warmer months.