Solar energy originates from the thermonuclear fusion reactions of the sun. It represents the entire electromagnetic spectrum that reaches Earth. India receives abundant solar radiation, especially in Rajasthan where solar insolation is the highest in the country at 6-6.4 kWh/m2/day. This makes Rajasthan well-suited for large solar energy plants. Mount Abu in Rajasthan contains a solar energy plant that harnesses the plentiful local solar resources. Solar cells convert solar energy to electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect where electrons are released when sunlight strikes certain materials. While solar energy is renewable and pollution-free, solar technology is currently more expensive than conventional sources.

1. Solar Energy:
The Ultimate Renewable
Resource

2. What is Solar Energy?


Originates with the
thermonuclear fusion
reactions occurring in
the sun.
Represents the entire
electromagnetic
radiation (visible light,
infrared, ultraviolet, xrays, and radio waves).

3. Advantages and Disadvantages


Advantages
 All chemical and radioactive polluting byproducts of
the thermonuclear reactions remain behind on the
sun, while only pure radiant energy reaches the
Earth.
 Energy reaching the earth is incredible. By one
calculation, 30 days of sunshine striking the Earth
have the energy equivalent of the total of all the
planet’s fossil fuels, both used and unused!
Disadvantages
 Sun does not shine consistently.
 Solar energy is a diffuse source. To harness it, we
must concentrate it into an amount and form that we
can use, such as heat and electricity.
 Addressed by approaching the problem through:
1) collection, 2) conversion, 3) storage.

4. How much solar energy?
The surface receives about 47% of the total solar
energy that reaches the Earth. Only this amount
is usable.

5. Where is Solar Energy Located in
Rajasthan ?


India is located in the equatorial belt of the earth, thereby
receiving abundant radiant energy from the sun. In most parts of
India, clear sunny day is experienced 250 to 300 days a year. The
annual global radiation varies from 1600 to 2200 KWh/Sq.m.
which is comparable with radiation received in the tropical and
sub-tropical regions. The equivalent energy potential is about
6,000 million GWh of energy per year.
According to the report maintained by the India Meteorological
Department, the highest annual global radiation is received in
Rajasthan (Solar insolation ranging between 6-6.4 Kwh/m2/day
in about half of Rajasthan). In Rajasthan, large areas of land are
barren and sparsely populated, making these areas suitable as
locations for large central power stations based on solar energy.

6. Solar Energy Plant in Mount Abu

7. Solar cells :Solar cell is a device which converts solar
energy into electrical energy. Solar cells are made
from semi conductors like silicon, germanium,
gallium etc. A single solar cell produces a voltage
of about 0.5 to 1 V and produces about 0.7 W
electricity. So several solar cells are arranged in a
solar panel to produce more electricity.

8. Principle of Solar Cells
When sunlight strikes the solar
cell, electrons (red circles) are
knocked loose. They move
toward the treated front
surface (dark blue color). An
electron imbalance is created
between the front and back.
When the two surfaces are
joined by a connector, like a
wire, a current of electricity
occurs between the negative
and positive sides.

9. Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages



It uses renewable source of
energy.
It produces electricity which
does not cause pollution.
It can be used in remote
areas where there is no
power supply.
Disadvantages



It uses a special grade of
silicon which is expensive.
Since silver is used for
connecting the cells
together it is more
expensive.
The current produced is
DC and to convert it to AC
increases the cost.

10. SOLAR CELL

11. Solar Cooker

The box type solar cooker has an
insulated box painted black inside. It is
covered by a glass plate which allows heat to
enter inside but does not allow heat to
escape out. It has a mirror to reflect more
sunlight into the box. The food to be cooked
is kept in containers inside the box It can
produce a temperature of 100 to 140 .

12. Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages



Adjust once an hour.
Much less reflected
light.
Very stable
Disadvantages



Only 80 – 100 deg C.
Cooking takes much
longer.
Not too sure it is
working! (WAPI – 65
deg C)

13. BOX TYPE SOLAR COOKER

14. The End