Solar energy: The Basics

SOLAR ENERGY BASICS

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THIS IS HOW FAR WE ARE FROM THE SUN….

… AND WE RECEIVE <50% OF THE ENERGY THAT REACHES THE EARTH

IT IS STILL SURPLUS TO OUR NEEDS

The annual world energy requirement is compared to the potential of the renewable energies

SUN IS THE PRIMARY SOURCE FOR

AND…

SUN: AN ILLUMINATOR

Check this innovative lighting concept

SOLAR HEATING

Solar energy is trapped and used to heat water/living spaces

SOLAR HEATING: HOW?

SOLAR THERMAL

The collectors track sun’s rays and heat the water in tubes behind them. The heated water is then used to run a turbine.

CONCENTRATED SOLAR TOWERS

Solar thermal are preferred for energy storage. Solar towers are huge solar thermal concentrators

SOLAR PHOTO-VOLTAIC (PV)

Unlike solar thermal which taps sunlight to heat water and in turn use the hot water to turn turbines and generate electricity, PV uses the sunlight directly to generate electricity.

A SMALL SOLAR SYSTEM

AND THE BIG ONES

Even more awesome photos