SOLAR ENERGY (THE UPCOMING ENERGY

ERA)

INTRODUCTION Solar energy is genesis for all forms of energy. This energy can be made use of in two ways -  

Thermal route (i.e. using heat for drying, heating, cooking or generation of electricity) or

The Photovoltaic route which converts solar energy in to electricity that can be used for a myriad purposes such as lighting, pumping and generation of electricity.

Due to its pollution free nature, virtually inexhaustible(abundant) supply and global distribution- solar energy is very attractive energy resource.

WHY SOLAR ???

“Why Solar” question can be sought from two different perspectives: utilizing solar energy for grid-interactive and off-grid power generation.It is the radiation from the sun that is capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity.Solar energy is rapidly becoming the ultimate energy source because of its non-polluting character and its inexhaustible supply which are in stark contrast to such fossil fuel sources as coal, oil, and natural gas. SOLAR CONNECTION ______________|____________ | | GRID OFF-GRID

1. Solar for grid connected electricity:

Grid interactive solar energy is derived from solar photovoltaic cells

Solar energy conversion equipments have longer life and need lesser maintenance and hence provide higher energy infrastructure security. 

Low running costs.

Being expansive you can even opt for only a solar panel and a grid converter , it would be quite cheaper than having a power connection with a MPPT charge convertor , a inverter and a battery bank.

Grid Inverter

Grid Connection at home

SOLAR CIRCUIT

(a) a PV panel array, ranging from two to many hundreds of panels;

(b)a control panel, to regulate the power from the panels;

(c) a power storage system, generally comprising of a number of specially designed batteries;

(d) an inverter, for converting the DC to AC power (eg 240 V AC)

(e) backup power supplies such as diesel startup generators (optional)

(f) framework and housing for the system

 2. Solar for off-grid solutions: Place where utility power is scant or too expensive to bring,

have no choice but to opt for their own generation. They generate power from a diverse range of small local generators using renewable resources with or without its own storage (batteries). This is known as off-grid electricity. Remote power systems are installed for the following reasons: Environmentally safe, pollution free source of energy.

Independence from the unreliable, fault prone and interrupted grid connection

Available storage and back-up options

No overhead wires- no transmission loss

Varied applications and products: Lighting, Communication Systems, Cooking, Heating, Pumping, Small scale industry utilization etc. 

The MPPT, To put it simply, they convert a higher voltage DC output from solar panels down to the lower voltage needed to charge batteries.

SOLAR CELLSolar cell is also called as photo galvanic cell Photo galvanic cell or solar cell is the one which converts the solar energy (energy obtained from the sun) directly into electrical energy.

The solar cells are based on the principles of photovoltaic effect.

Solar cell (crystalline Silicon) consists of a n-type semiconductor (emitter) layer and p-type semiconductor layer (base). The two layers are sandwiched and hence there is formation of p-n junction.

The surface is coated with anti-reflection coating to avoid the loss of incident light energy due to reflection.

Thus when this p and n layers are connected to external circuit, electrons flow from n-layer to p-layer, an hence current is generated

The electrons that leave the solar cell as current give up their energy to whatever is connected to the solar cell, and then re-enter the solar cell. Once back in the solar cell, the process begins again.

Types of Solar Panels

Monocrystalline Polycrystalline Amorphous1. Made from single 1.Made from very small 1.Made from smallLarge crystal. crystal. Solar panels.2. Most efficient. 2.Less efficient. 2.Most efficient.3. Most expensive. 3.less expensive. 3.Most expensive 4. 15-20% 4.13-16% than mono c-si.

 

SOLAR ENERGY CONS

The major con of solar energy is the initial cost of solar cells.

Solar energy is only able to generate electricity during daylight hours. This means for around half of each day.

The weather can affect the efficiency of solar cells.

Pollution can be a con of solar energy, as pollution levels can affect a solar cells efficiency, this would be a major con for businesses or industry wishing to install solar panels in heavily polluted areas, such as cities.

 

THANK YOU

SALONI

GCS(07 )