This document provides an overview of solar energy, including the different types (passive, active, solar thermal, photovoltaic), how solar panels work to convert sunlight into electricity, and the advantages and disadvantages of solar power. It discusses that solar energy harnesses energy from the sun without pollution and can help reduce electricity bills. However, initial costs are high and solar panel efficiency is around 40%. The conclusion is that solar energy provides a powerful clean energy source if used wisely.

1. MAHAMAYA COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL
ENGINEERING
AND TECHNOLOGY
Submitted To-
Er.MOHAMMAD AALAM
Submitted By-
GYANENDRA SINGH
ID N0.- E-7443/13
B.Tech. Mech. Engg.
SEMINOR ON – SOLAR ENERGY

2. CONTENTS
• What is solar energy ?
• Types of solar energy
1. Passive Solar Energy
2. Active solar energy
3. Solar Thermal Energy
4. Photovoltaic Solar Energy
• Discover of Solar Panel How It
Works
• Advantages of solar power
• Disadvantages of solar power
• Conclusion
• Reference

3. What is solar energy ?
• Solar energy is the energy
received by the earth from the
sun. This energy in the form of
solar radiation,which makes the
productioin of solar electricity
possible.
• The most precise solar energy
defination is: Energy from the
sun.

4. Types of solar energy
• Passive Solar Energy
• Active Solar Energy
• Photovoltaic Solar Energy
• Solar Thermal Energy

5. Passive Solar Energy
Passive Solar Energy is a method in which
solar energy is harnessed in its direct
form without any mechanical devices.
Drying Clothes in daylight is an example
of using solar energy passively.
Passive solar energy has a few
application which all of us can
use.(where ever there is sunlight).
•Daylighting
•Passive Solar Heating

6. Active solar energy
The Active Solar Energy employes
mechanical or electrical equipment
for functioning and increase system
efficiency. As an example water
pumps are used to circulate water
through the active solar energy
water heating system.
Some application of active solar
energy which can be very helpful to
all of us.
• Active Solar Water Heating
• Active Solar Pool Heating

7. Solar Thermal Energy
Solar Thermal Energy is the heat energy
derived from the incident solar radiation
(sunlight). This is used by solar heating
panels.
Solar Thermal Energy does have
advanteges like other form of solar
energy.
• Solar Water Heating
• Solar Pool Heating
These are the common uses of Solar
Thermal Energy. By taking advantages of
these you can get plenty of benefits.
Electricity can be generated using solar
energy commanly this is known as Solar
Thermal Energy.

8. Photovoltaic energy
The Energy generated by incident solar
energy (light) into electricity is termed
as photovoltaic Solar Power. This is
done Using Photovoltaic Solar Cells.
Every one of us can get the benefits of
the applications of photovoltaic solar
power.
• Solar Electricity
• Photovoltaic Solar Lighting
• Photovoltaic Cooling

9. Discover of Solar Panel
How It Works
1) Sunlight hit the solar panels and
absorbed by semi-conducting material
such as silicon.
2) Electrons are knocked loose from their
atoms. Which allows them to flow
through the material to produce
electricity. This process is called the
photovoltaic effect.

10. 3) The direct current electricity enters an
inverters.
4) The inverters turns direct current
electricity into 120-volt alternating
current.
5) The electricity is then distributed to the
appliances or light in the house.
6) When more solar energy is generated it
can be stored in a battery as direct
current electricity and will continue to
supply your home with electricity at
night time.
7) When the battery is full of excess
electricity can be exported back into
utility grid , if your system is connected
to it.
8) The flow of the electricity in and out of
the utility grid is measured by a utility
meter.

11. Advantages of solar power
• The power source of sun is absolutely
free.
• The production of solar energy
produces no pollution.
• It has the ability of wide power
handling capabilities.
• It reduces the electricity bills problem.
• Solar energy is clean, renewable
(unlike gas, oil, coal), sustainable and
helping to protect our environment.

12. Disadvantages of solar
power
• Initial Cost :The initial cost of
puchasing and installing solar panels
alwayes becomes the disadvantages.
• Locations :The locations of solar
panels is of major importances in the
generation of electricity. Areas which
remains mostly cloudly and foggy will
produce the electricity but at a
reduced rate and may require more
panels to generate enough electricity
homes.

13. • Pollution : Most of the photovoltaic
panels are made up of silicon and
other toxic metals like mercury, lead
and cadmium. Pollution in the
environment can also decrease there
quality and efficiency of photovoltaic
cells.
• Inefficiency :Since not all the light
from the sun is absorbed by the solar
panels therefore most of solar panels
have a 40% efficiency rate which
means 60% of the sunlight gets wasted
and is not harnessed.

14. Conclusions
• The sun is a powerful source that can
help our by giving us giving us clean,
reusable energy to power.
• Hence the use of this energy is free ,
does not create pollution and if used
wisely can help us become less
dependent on other most costly forms
of power.
• Current technologies have entire
capabilities for limited storage.
• Cost is perceived as high.

15. Reference
• Solar Energy by H P Garg
• Renewable Energy Resources by
G. N. Tiwari