Solar energy represents one of the most promising solutions to the growing global demand for electricity and the need to reduce environmental pollution. With population growth and increasing energy requirements, it is crucial to utilize renewable resources that do not harm nature or contribute to climate change. Solar technology has advanced rapidly, enabling efficient energy production from minimal land area and offering practical applications from household supply to industrial power and street lighting. As we begin this presentation, let us explore how harnessing sunlight through innovative technologies like solar trees and photovoltaic systems is shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for India and beyond

1. Introduction to Solar Energy
◦ Solar energy is the power obtained from the sun’s radiation.
◦ It is a renewable and sustainable energy source.
◦ Solar power is harnessed using photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar
thermal systems.
Fig.-Basic diagram of solar energy conversion

2. How Solar Energy Works
◦ Photovoltaic Cells (PV): Convert sunlight into electricity.
◦ Solar Thermal Systems: Use sunlight to heat fluids that generate
steam for turbines.
◦ Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): Uses mirrors or lenses to
concentrate sunlight.
Image: Basic diagram of solar energy conversion.

3. Benefits of Solar Energy
Renewable and abundant
Reduces electricity bills
Low maintenance costs
Reduces carbon footprint
Energy independence
Image-Solar panels in residential
Image-Solar panels in commercial

4. Types of Solar Panels

5. Applications of Solar Energy
 Residential: Solar panels for homes.
 Commercial: Offices and factories using solar power.
 Agriculture: Solar-powered irrigation.
 Transportation: Solar-powered vehicles.
 Space Technology: Satellites powered by solar panels.

6. Challenges of Solar Energy
◦ High initial installation
costs.
◦ Intermittent energy
production (depends on
sunlight).
◦ Requires large space for
installation.
◦ Energy storage solutions
needed for nighttime use.
Image-Solar is cheaper and more efficient than ever

7. Future of Solar Energy
◦ Advances in solar panel efficiency.
◦ Development of better energy storage
solutions.
◦ Integration with smart grids.
◦ Growing adoption in developing countries.

8. Perovskite Solar Cells
◦ Description: New material that improves efficiency and reduces costs of solar
cells.
◦ Example: Oxford PV has developed perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells,
achieving over 30% efficiency.
◦ Impact: More affordable and higher-performing solar panels for widespread
adoption.
Image: Perovskite solar panel prototype (Source: Oxford PV).

9. Bifacial Solar Panels
◦ Description: Panels that capture sunlight from both the front and back sides.
◦ Example: Trina Solar and LONGi have introduced bifacial panels for commercial use.
◦ Impact: Increases solar energy output by up to 20% compared to traditional panels.
Image: Bifacial solar panels in a solar farm

10. Solar Paint
◦ Description: Paint infused with photovoltaic properties that generate electricity.
◦ Example: RMIT University in Australia is developing solar paint that absorbs
moisture to create hydrogen fuel.
◦ Impact: Can turn any surface into an energy-generating source.
Image: Prototype of solar paint technology (Source: RMIT University).
Prof. Kourosh Kalantar-zadeh (right) with a pot of solar paint and
Dr. Torben Daeneke with a piece of glass applied solar paint.

11. Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP)
◦ Description: Concept of harvesting solar energy in space and beaming it to Earth.
◦ Example: The European Space Agency (ESA) is researching SBSP for continuous
energy generation.
◦ Impact: Provides an unlimited energy source unaffected by weather or daylight
cycles.
Image: Concept illustration of space-based solar power station (Source: European Space Agency, ESA).

12. Solar Roads
◦ Description: Roads embedded with photovoltaic panels that generate power.
◦ Example: France and the Netherlands have implemented pilot solar road projects.
◦ Impact: Could power streetlights, electric vehicles, and infrastructure.
Image: Solar road test site in France (Source: Wattway).

13. Any
queries??