1) Solar energy comes from nuclear fusion that occurs in the sun's core, transforming hydrogen into helium and releasing energy in the form of light and heat.
2) Solar energy can be used to heat buildings and water through passive solar systems like collectors that absorb sunlight, or active solar systems using mechanical equipment.
3) Solar energy can also be used to generate electricity through photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity or solar thermal systems that use concentrated sunlight to heat a liquid and produce steam to power generators.
Solar energy can be harnessed in three main ways: through solar thermal technologies to convert sunlight into heat, through photovoltaics to directly convert it into electricity, and through photosynthesis to convert it into chemical energy. Some key applications of solar energy include water heating, space heating, electricity generation, and driving chemical reactions. While solar energy is abundant and clean, it also has disadvantages like intermittency and the need to convert and store it before use.
Thermal solar technology uses the sun's heat to produce hot water or electricity. Examples include solar hot water heaters, which use rooftop collectors to heat water that is then stored in a hot water tank, and concentrating solar power, which uses mirrors to focus sunlight and create steam to drive electricity generators. New technologies are also experimenting with using solar heat in desalination plants and generating electricity through solar towers.
Here are the steps to concentrate solar radiation using a concave mirror:
Step 3: Place the cans in a sunny spot and record the temperatures after 5 minutes.
1. Place the concave mirror in a sunny spot and adjust its position until it reflects sunlight onto the black radiation can.
Step 4: Remove the cans and place the concave mirror in the sun. Adjust its position until it reflects sunlight onto the black radiation can.
2. Record the temperature of the black radiation can every minute for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Record the temperature of the black radiation can every minute for 5 minutes.
3. Compare the temperature rise to when the can was in direct sunlight without the mirror. Did
The document discusses various components of solar power systems for producing electricity from sunlight. It describes solar panels, which generate electricity from sunlight using photovoltaic cells. It explains that solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, and that multiple panels can be connected in series and parallel to achieve desired voltages and currents. The document also discusses other key components, including charge controllers, power inverters, storage batteries, and backup generators. It provides information on sizing solar power systems and selecting components.
This document provides information on different types of power stations and renewable energy sources. It discusses thermoelectric, electronuclear, geothermal, and hydroelectric power stations. It also describes wind power generated by wind turbines, and solar power generated by photovoltaic cells and solar thermal plants that produce steam to drive turbines. The document contains sections on wind power, solar energy, natural gas, and oil.
The document discusses solar energy and how it works. It explains that the sun is the source of all energy on Earth and radiates enormous amounts of heat and light. It describes how India receives a large amount of solar energy each year and discusses the concept of solar constant, which is the amount of solar energy that reaches a square meter of space. It then provides examples of solar heating devices, the principles of how solar cookers work by concentrating and trapping sunlight, and how solar cells convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
1) Wind power harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to turn turbine blades, which spins a shaft connected to a generator to produce electricity.
2) Wind power has advantages of being renewable, producing no pollution, and having low operating costs once turbines are established.
3) However, wind power also has disadvantages such as the need for steady wind, high initial costs, and potential objections to turbines on aesthetic or noise grounds.
4) Whether wind power would be suitable for Pontiac would depend on local wind conditions and costs/benefits compared to other energy options.
Solar energy can be harnessed in three main ways: through solar thermal technologies to convert sunlight into heat, through photovoltaics to directly convert it into electricity, and through photosynthesis to convert it into chemical energy. Some key applications of solar energy include water heating, space heating, electricity generation, and driving chemical reactions. While solar energy is abundant and clean, it also has disadvantages like intermittency and the need to convert and store it before use.
Thermal solar technology uses the sun's heat to produce hot water or electricity. Examples include solar hot water heaters, which use rooftop collectors to heat water that is then stored in a hot water tank, and concentrating solar power, which uses mirrors to focus sunlight and create steam to drive electricity generators. New technologies are also experimenting with using solar heat in desalination plants and generating electricity through solar towers.
Here are the steps to concentrate solar radiation using a concave mirror:
Step 3: Place the cans in a sunny spot and record the temperatures after 5 minutes.
1. Place the concave mirror in a sunny spot and adjust its position until it reflects sunlight onto the black radiation can.
Step 4: Remove the cans and place the concave mirror in the sun. Adjust its position until it reflects sunlight onto the black radiation can.
2. Record the temperature of the black radiation can every minute for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Record the temperature of the black radiation can every minute for 5 minutes.
3. Compare the temperature rise to when the can was in direct sunlight without the mirror. Did
The document discusses various components of solar power systems for producing electricity from sunlight. It describes solar panels, which generate electricity from sunlight using photovoltaic cells. It explains that solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, and that multiple panels can be connected in series and parallel to achieve desired voltages and currents. The document also discusses other key components, including charge controllers, power inverters, storage batteries, and backup generators. It provides information on sizing solar power systems and selecting components.
This document provides information on different types of power stations and renewable energy sources. It discusses thermoelectric, electronuclear, geothermal, and hydroelectric power stations. It also describes wind power generated by wind turbines, and solar power generated by photovoltaic cells and solar thermal plants that produce steam to drive turbines. The document contains sections on wind power, solar energy, natural gas, and oil.
The document discusses solar energy and how it works. It explains that the sun is the source of all energy on Earth and radiates enormous amounts of heat and light. It describes how India receives a large amount of solar energy each year and discusses the concept of solar constant, which is the amount of solar energy that reaches a square meter of space. It then provides examples of solar heating devices, the principles of how solar cookers work by concentrating and trapping sunlight, and how solar cells convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
1) Wind power harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to turn turbine blades, which spins a shaft connected to a generator to produce electricity.
2) Wind power has advantages of being renewable, producing no pollution, and having low operating costs once turbines are established.
3) However, wind power also has disadvantages such as the need for steady wind, high initial costs, and potential objections to turbines on aesthetic or noise grounds.
4) Whether wind power would be suitable for Pontiac would depend on local wind conditions and costs/benefits compared to other energy options.
1. The document discusses solar energy, beginning with an overview of its technologies and applications. It describes how the Sojourner rover on Mars was powered by solar panels.
2. Solar energy can be seen as something for the future or already present today, as demonstrated by its use in homes, businesses, and for lighting remote areas. The first solar collector was built in the 18th century.
3. The sun provides abundant energy that could meet humanity's needs. Solar energy plays both current and future roles in meeting energy demand through various applications.
Solar power is becoming increasingly popular and viable in Sacramento, CA due to the consistent sunshine. The document explains how solar energy works, from installing solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, to storing excess energy in batteries or selling it back to the grid to have power even when the sun isn't shining. Installing a solar power system is now a common and smart investment for homes in Sacramento as the technology improves and the area is well-suited to solar energy.
The document discusses different types of solar technologies, including passive and active systems. It describes passive technologies such as building orientation and materials that circulate air. It then explains two active technologies: photovoltaics which directly convert sunlight to electricity using solar cells, and solar thermal which uses collectors to concentrate sunlight and generate heat or electricity. The document provides details on photovoltaic cell components and types, as well as examples of solar thermal applications like drying, cooking, and distillation.
The document discusses various non-conventional and renewable sources of energy such as solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, and wave energy. It provides details on different technologies used to harness these energy sources like solar photovoltaic cells, solar cookers, solar water pumps, tidal power plants, and wave energy converters. These alternative sources of energy are important for India given its high and growing energy demands as they are clean, renewable and can supplement conventional energy sources.
This document is a primer on solar electricity for kids. It begins by explaining that for over 100 years, electricity has mainly come from burning fossil fuels like coal and gas, but this causes pollution. It then discusses how solar electricity works, including how solar cells convert sunlight into electricity and how solar panels are made up of connected solar cells. The document outlines different places solar panels can be installed and describes how solar thermal technology uses sunlight's heat to create steam to power turbines and generate electricity. In closing, it emphasizes the importance of solar electricity in reducing pollution and global warming compared to fossil fuel electricity generation.
This document compares an Indian innovation, the solar cooker, to a foreign innovation, the induction cooker. It provides background on each type of cooker, including how they work, their history, advantages, and disadvantages. The solar cooker uses sunlight to cook and heat food, while the induction cooker uses electromagnetic induction to directly heat cookware on the stove. The document concludes by comparing and contrasting the key aspects of both cooking methods.
This document discusses different types of thermal energy sources in the world, including solar, geothermal, fires, and decay. It focuses on explaining solar energy in more detail, noting that the sun provides energy for life on Earth. It describes passive solar heating which uses insulation to maintain heat levels, and active solar heating which uses collectors, heat storage, and distribution systems. The document also discusses how solar energy can be converted to electricity using solar panels and arrays. It notes both the benefits of solar such as being reusable with no pollution, and the costs which include limited availability in some areas and high installation expenses.
This document provides an overview of solar energy and its applications. It discusses 6 applications of solar energy: 1) solar water heaters, 2) solar cookers, 3) solar ponds, 4) solar electricity using photovoltaic cells, 5) the world scenario of large solar power plants, and 6) India's scenario and goals for solar energy. The document outlines the components and functioning of each solar energy application.
This document provides an overview of solar thermal power, including its opportunities and obstacles. It discusses how solar thermal power works by using lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight and heat water to steam to power a turbine. Higher temperatures allow for more efficient power generation but require new materials that can withstand the heat. The document also examines different solar thermal technologies like parabolic troughs and power towers, and how efficiency increases with higher working fluid temperatures. However, the high costs of materials currently limit the economic feasibility of solar thermal power plants.
The document discusses the sun as a renewable source of energy and how its energy can be harnessed through solar panels and solar plants. Solar energy can be collected through photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, or through solar plants that use mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a central point to power a turbine and generate electricity. The two main types of solar plants are photovoltaic systems and plants that use mirrors.
The document discusses the sun as a renewable source of energy and how its energy can be harnessed through solar panels and solar plants. Solar energy can be collected through photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, or through solar plants that use mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a central point to power a turbine and generate electricity. The two main types of solar plants are photovoltaic systems and plants that use mirrors.
A solar cooker is a device which is used to cook food by utilizing the heat energy radiated by the sun.
It utilizes the principle of reflection, concentration, absorption and greenhouse effect to convert sunlight to heat energy.
Most common, inexpensive and easier to build
A solar cooker consists of an insulated metal box or wooden box which is painted all black from inside.
This highlights the operational requirements that the user of the
solar cooker must fulfil in order to achieve optimum
performance of the cooker and ensure safety of the
user.
Solar energy originates from thermonuclear fusion reactions in the sun. It represents the entire electromagnetic spectrum that reaches Earth. Solar energy has powered life on Earth for millions of years and offers a renewable source of energy without pollution. Current solar technologies include photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity, as well as solar heating of buildings and water. Research continues to improve efficiency and lower the cost of solar energy.
This document provides an overview of solar energy sources and technology. It defines solar energy as energy obtained from radiation emitted by the sun. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells made of silicon semiconductors. Passive solar uses sunlight without equipment to warm buildings, while active solar uses collectors and fluid/air transfer to store solar heat. Advantages include reducing global warming, energy reliability and independence, while disadvantages include high initial costs and needing batteries for nighttime use.
The document discusses what energy from the sun is and how it is used. It explains that the sun's energy allows plants to produce food through photosynthesis and powers weather patterns like wind that can be converted to electricity. It then describes the two main ways solar energy is generated - through photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity, and solar thermal systems that convert it to heat. Both require large surface areas to effectively capture the sun's energy at scale. While a renewable source, solar energy systems are expensive and cannot generate power at night or without sunlight.
Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.
This document provides an introduction to solar energy, including how it works and its applications. Solar energy comes from the sun's radiation that reaches the Earth. It can be collected and stored in various ways, such as in batteries, and used for heating, cooling, generating electricity, and powering transportation. Common ways solar energy is applied include heating water and buildings, powering devices, and cooling buildings through changing the phase of liquids. Overall, the document outlines the basics of solar energy as an alternative to fossil fuels and discusses current uses.
Solar energy is the primary source of energy on Earth and is produced by nuclear fusion reactions in the Sun's core. It provides nearly all the heat and light received by Earth and sustains life. There are two main types of solar collectors - flat plate collectors and concentrating collectors. Flat plate collectors use sunlight to heat a fluid like water or air for uses like water and space heating. Concentrating collectors reflect and focus sunlight to achieve higher temperatures suitable for applications like electricity generation and industrial processes. While solar energy technologies are advancing, generating electricity from solar power remains more expensive than from fossil fuels currently. However, as technologies improve and fossil fuels become more scarce, solar power generation may become more widespread and competitive.
1. The document discusses solar energy, beginning with an overview of its technologies and applications. It describes how the Sojourner rover on Mars was powered by solar panels.
2. Solar energy can be seen as something for the future or already present today, as demonstrated by its use in homes, businesses, and for lighting remote areas. The first solar collector was built in the 18th century.
3. The sun provides abundant energy that could meet humanity's needs. Solar energy plays both current and future roles in meeting energy demand through various applications.
Solar power is becoming increasingly popular and viable in Sacramento, CA due to the consistent sunshine. The document explains how solar energy works, from installing solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, to storing excess energy in batteries or selling it back to the grid to have power even when the sun isn't shining. Installing a solar power system is now a common and smart investment for homes in Sacramento as the technology improves and the area is well-suited to solar energy.
The document discusses different types of solar technologies, including passive and active systems. It describes passive technologies such as building orientation and materials that circulate air. It then explains two active technologies: photovoltaics which directly convert sunlight to electricity using solar cells, and solar thermal which uses collectors to concentrate sunlight and generate heat or electricity. The document provides details on photovoltaic cell components and types, as well as examples of solar thermal applications like drying, cooking, and distillation.
The document discusses various non-conventional and renewable sources of energy such as solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, and wave energy. It provides details on different technologies used to harness these energy sources like solar photovoltaic cells, solar cookers, solar water pumps, tidal power plants, and wave energy converters. These alternative sources of energy are important for India given its high and growing energy demands as they are clean, renewable and can supplement conventional energy sources.
This document is a primer on solar electricity for kids. It begins by explaining that for over 100 years, electricity has mainly come from burning fossil fuels like coal and gas, but this causes pollution. It then discusses how solar electricity works, including how solar cells convert sunlight into electricity and how solar panels are made up of connected solar cells. The document outlines different places solar panels can be installed and describes how solar thermal technology uses sunlight's heat to create steam to power turbines and generate electricity. In closing, it emphasizes the importance of solar electricity in reducing pollution and global warming compared to fossil fuel electricity generation.
This document compares an Indian innovation, the solar cooker, to a foreign innovation, the induction cooker. It provides background on each type of cooker, including how they work, their history, advantages, and disadvantages. The solar cooker uses sunlight to cook and heat food, while the induction cooker uses electromagnetic induction to directly heat cookware on the stove. The document concludes by comparing and contrasting the key aspects of both cooking methods.
This document discusses different types of thermal energy sources in the world, including solar, geothermal, fires, and decay. It focuses on explaining solar energy in more detail, noting that the sun provides energy for life on Earth. It describes passive solar heating which uses insulation to maintain heat levels, and active solar heating which uses collectors, heat storage, and distribution systems. The document also discusses how solar energy can be converted to electricity using solar panels and arrays. It notes both the benefits of solar such as being reusable with no pollution, and the costs which include limited availability in some areas and high installation expenses.
This document provides an overview of solar energy and its applications. It discusses 6 applications of solar energy: 1) solar water heaters, 2) solar cookers, 3) solar ponds, 4) solar electricity using photovoltaic cells, 5) the world scenario of large solar power plants, and 6) India's scenario and goals for solar energy. The document outlines the components and functioning of each solar energy application.
This document provides an overview of solar thermal power, including its opportunities and obstacles. It discusses how solar thermal power works by using lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight and heat water to steam to power a turbine. Higher temperatures allow for more efficient power generation but require new materials that can withstand the heat. The document also examines different solar thermal technologies like parabolic troughs and power towers, and how efficiency increases with higher working fluid temperatures. However, the high costs of materials currently limit the economic feasibility of solar thermal power plants.
The document discusses the sun as a renewable source of energy and how its energy can be harnessed through solar panels and solar plants. Solar energy can be collected through photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, or through solar plants that use mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a central point to power a turbine and generate electricity. The two main types of solar plants are photovoltaic systems and plants that use mirrors.
The document discusses the sun as a renewable source of energy and how its energy can be harnessed through solar panels and solar plants. Solar energy can be collected through photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, or through solar plants that use mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a central point to power a turbine and generate electricity. The two main types of solar plants are photovoltaic systems and plants that use mirrors.
A solar cooker is a device which is used to cook food by utilizing the heat energy radiated by the sun.
It utilizes the principle of reflection, concentration, absorption and greenhouse effect to convert sunlight to heat energy.
Most common, inexpensive and easier to build
A solar cooker consists of an insulated metal box or wooden box which is painted all black from inside.
This highlights the operational requirements that the user of the
solar cooker must fulfil in order to achieve optimum
performance of the cooker and ensure safety of the
user.
Solar energy originates from thermonuclear fusion reactions in the sun. It represents the entire electromagnetic spectrum that reaches Earth. Solar energy has powered life on Earth for millions of years and offers a renewable source of energy without pollution. Current solar technologies include photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity, as well as solar heating of buildings and water. Research continues to improve efficiency and lower the cost of solar energy.
This document provides an overview of solar energy sources and technology. It defines solar energy as energy obtained from radiation emitted by the sun. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells made of silicon semiconductors. Passive solar uses sunlight without equipment to warm buildings, while active solar uses collectors and fluid/air transfer to store solar heat. Advantages include reducing global warming, energy reliability and independence, while disadvantages include high initial costs and needing batteries for nighttime use.
The document discusses what energy from the sun is and how it is used. It explains that the sun's energy allows plants to produce food through photosynthesis and powers weather patterns like wind that can be converted to electricity. It then describes the two main ways solar energy is generated - through photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity, and solar thermal systems that convert it to heat. Both require large surface areas to effectively capture the sun's energy at scale. While a renewable source, solar energy systems are expensive and cannot generate power at night or without sunlight.
Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.
This document provides an introduction to solar energy, including how it works and its applications. Solar energy comes from the sun's radiation that reaches the Earth. It can be collected and stored in various ways, such as in batteries, and used for heating, cooling, generating electricity, and powering transportation. Common ways solar energy is applied include heating water and buildings, powering devices, and cooling buildings through changing the phase of liquids. Overall, the document outlines the basics of solar energy as an alternative to fossil fuels and discusses current uses.
Solar energy is the primary source of energy on Earth and is produced by nuclear fusion reactions in the Sun's core. It provides nearly all the heat and light received by Earth and sustains life. There are two main types of solar collectors - flat plate collectors and concentrating collectors. Flat plate collectors use sunlight to heat a fluid like water or air for uses like water and space heating. Concentrating collectors reflect and focus sunlight to achieve higher temperatures suitable for applications like electricity generation and industrial processes. While solar energy technologies are advancing, generating electricity from solar power remains more expensive than from fossil fuels currently. However, as technologies improve and fossil fuels become more scarce, solar power generation may become more widespread and competitive.
Solar energy is the energy from the sun that is harnessed using a range of technologies such as solar panels, solar collectors, and solar cells. Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it to electricity, either directly using photovoltaics or indirectly using concentrated solar power. Homes and buildings can be powered by solar energy through solar panels installed on their roofs or nearby. A variety of devices use solar energy as well, including calculators, toys, lamps, chargers, and vehicles.
The document discusses solar energy, including its sources, applications, and advantages over other energy sources. It describes how solar energy from the sun is captured and converted into usable forms of energy such as heat and electricity. Solar energy can be used to generate power, heat water, power vehicles and satellites, and for applications in architecture, agriculture, and water treatment. It has advantages over fossil fuels in being renewable and pollution-free, and over nuclear energy in being safer with no radioactive waste. While intermittent, solar energy has great potential to meet the world's energy needs if methods of efficient collection, conversion, storage and use are improved.
Solar energy is the sun's energy that is harnessed and can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels. The sun's energy comes from nuclear fusion reactions, with a small amount of mass converted to a large amount of energy. Only a tiny fraction of the sun's energy reaches Earth, mostly as infrared and visible light. This solar energy can be converted into thermal or electrical energy through the use of solar panels and collectors. While solar energy is clean and free, its intermittent nature and high costs have limited its widespread adoption. New technologies aim to improve solar energy storage to increase its viability as a renewable alternative energy source.
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are replenished, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. The document discusses various types of renewable energy - solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass and geothermal. Solar energy can be used to generate electricity via photovoltaic cells or to heat water in solar water heating systems. Renewable energy is important because it has environmental benefits, creates jobs, and increases energy security by reducing dependence on foreign oil.
The document discusses solar energy, including what it is, how it is harnessed, where it comes from, its advantages and disadvantages, and some of its uses. Solar energy comes from the sun and can be used to generate electricity or heat water. It is harnessed using solar panels that convert sunlight into electrical energy or use it to heat fluids. While a renewable source of energy, solar power has initial costs and requires large land areas for panels, and production of panels can release toxic byproducts if not properly handled.
Solar energy is the conversion of sunlight into electricity or heat. It is a renewable and non-polluting energy source. Solar energy can be captured using photovoltaic cells or concentrated solar power systems and has many applications including generating electricity, heating water, drying crops, and powering vehicles. While solar energy has high initial costs, it has benefits such as being renewable, producing no emissions, and allowing energy production in remote areas not connected to power grids.
This document provides information about solar energy, including its origins from the sun's thermonuclear fusion reactions. It discusses two types of solar energy - thermal energy, which is used for applications like water heating, and electric energy, which is produced through photovoltaics that convert light to electricity. Examples of solar energy applications discussed include water heating, cooling/heating buildings, cooking, industrial process heat, and water treatment. Advantages listed are that solar energy is renewable, environmentally friendly, and has no fuel costs, while disadvantages include reliability issues and higher initial costs compared to other energy sources. The document also describes how concentrated solar power works to generate electricity using mirrors to focus sunlight and heat a fluid to power turbines.
This document summarizes different solar energy technologies including photothermal solar panels, concentrated solar power plants, and photovoltaic cells. Photothermal panels work by trapping sunlight in insulated pipes to heat water for homes. Concentrated solar power plants use large mirrors to reflect sunlight onto towers to generate steam and electricity. Photovoltaic cells directly convert sunlight into electricity through semiconductors like silicon. The document also discusses passive solar heating which uses the greenhouse effect to warm homes through strategically placed windows.
Solar power is a renewable energy source that uses sunlight to generate electricity through solar panels. It provides a huge amount of energy from the sun, enough to power the earth for over 45 minutes. In New Zealand, solar power is commonly used to power street lamps, buildings, and small devices. Solar panels absorb heat from sunlight which boils a liquid to create steam and spin a turbine, generating electricity. The document suggests that solar power could be used at a school by installing solar panels on the many roofs to help power computers, calculators, and potentially heaters.
Solar thermal energy is a great source of electricity and other energy which have great utility in day to day life. Learn about the solar energy in details here.
Solar energy comes from the sun, which emits energy through thermonuclear reactions within its core. This energy can be harnessed on Earth through solar cells to generate electricity or heat. Solar energy is a renewable resource that does not pollute the environment, but it has the disadvantage of only being available when the sun is shining. It can power homes through solar panels installed on rooftops or in other areas that receive strong sunlight.
The document discusses solar energy and its uses. It provides information on:
1) India emerging as a top country in solar power generation.
2) How solar energy works through converting sunlight to electricity via photovoltaic cells or heating via solar panels.
3) Applications of solar energy including heating air/water, power generation, vehicles, and more.
4) Steps taken in Punjab, India to promote solar energy through government agencies and collaboration with companies.
This document provides an overview of a seminar presentation on solar energy storage systems. It discusses solar energy and how it can be utilized through solar panels. It describes the different components of solar panels and how they work. The document outlines some benefits of solar energy like being renewable and reducing electricity bills, as well as limitations like high initial costs and weather dependence. It also discusses various methods for storing solar energy, including as sensible or latent heat. Specific solar energy storage applications mentioned include solar ponds.
1. Solar Energy
Fusion
During a process called fusion, four hydrogen atoms combine to form one helium
atom, with a transformation of matter. This matter is emitted as radiant energy.
What is Solar Energy? An active solar home, on the other hand, uses special equipment to
collect sunlight. An active solar house may use special collectors that
Every day, the sun radiates (sends out) an enormous amount of look like boxes covered with glass.
energy—called solar energy. It radiates more energy in one second
These collectors are mounted on the rooftop facing south to take
than the world has used since time began. This energy comes from
advantage of the winter sun. Dark-colored metal plates inside the
within the sun itself.
boxes absorb sunlight and change it into heat. (Black absorbs sunlight
Like most stars, the sun is a big gas ball made up mostly of hydrogen better than any other color.) Air or water flows through the collectors
and helium gas. The sun makes energy in its inner core in a process and is warmed by the heat. The warm air or water is distributed
called nuclear fusion. to the house, just as it would be with an ordinary furnace system.
It takes the sun’s energy just a little over eight minutes to travel the
93 million miles to Earth. Solar energy travels at a speed of 186,000
miles per second, the speed of light.
Only a small part of the radiant energy that the sun emits into space
ever reaches the Earth, but that is more than enough to supply
all our energy needs. Every day enough solar energy reaches the
Earth to supply our nation’s energy needs for a year! Solar energy is
considered a renewable energy source. Solar Collector
Today, people use solar energy to heat buildings and water and to On a sunny day, a closed car becomes a solar collector. Light energy passes
generate electricity. through the window glass, is absorbed by the car’s interior, and converted into
heat energy. The heat energy becomes trapped inside.
Solar Collectors SOLAR ENERGY
Heating with solar energy is not as easy as you might think. Capturing TRAPPED HEAT
sunlight and putting it to work is difficult because the solar energy
that reaches the Earth is spread out over a large area. The sun does
not deliver that much energy to any one place at any one time.
The amount of solar energy an area receives depends on the time of
day, the season of the year, the cloudiness of the sky, and how close
you are to the Earth’s equator.
A solar collector is one way to capture sunlight and change it into
usable heat energy. A closed car on a sunny day is like a solar collector.
As sunlight passes through the car’s windows, it is absorbed by the
seat covers, walls, and floor of the car. The absorbed light changes
into heat. The car’s windows let light in, but they don’t let all the heat
out. A closed car can get very hot!
Passive Solar Home
Solar Space Heating SUMMER SUN
Space heating means heating the space inside a building. Today,
many homes use solar energy for space heating. A passive solar WINTER SUN
home is designed to let in as much sunlight as possible. It is like a
big solar collector. Overhang
creates shade HEAT CIRCULATION
Sunlight passes through the windows and heats the walls and floor
inside the house. The light can get in, but the heat is trapped inside.
A passive solar home does not depend on mechanical equipment,
such as pumps and blowers, to heat the house. STORAGE OF HEAT IN THE FLOOR AND WALLS
South North
22 Intermediate Energy Infobook