Solar Energy Introduction Pdf

Solar energy introduction solar energy is the energy obtained by capturing heat and light from the sun.

Solar energy introduction pdf.

You will learn to compare solar energy to other energy resources and explain how solar panels or photovoltaics pv for short convert sunlight to electricity. Humans like all other animals and plants rely on the sun for warmth and food. Among the most common devices used to capture solar energy and convert it to thermal energy are flat plate collectors which are used for solar heating applications. Every hour the sun beats down with enough power to provide global energy for an entire year.

Imagine solar cells installed in cars to absorb solar energy to replace the traditional use of diesel and gas. Even in sunny parts of the world s temperate regions for instance a collector must have a surface. Because the intensity of solar radiation at earth s surface is so low these collectors must be large in area. It takes an average of eight minutes for energy to travel from the sun to the earth.

Solar energy in one form or another is the source of nearly all energy on the earth. Alternative methods of solar energy are discussed in part v. Scientists have used solar energy to power spaceships since 1958. Using the same principle cell phones can also be charged by solar energy.

Offered by the state university of new york. In chapter 20 we introduce different concepts related to solar thermal energy. Energy from the sun is referred to as solar energy. Most solar panels used today have an average life expectancy of between 20 40 years.

In chapter 21 which is the last chapter of the regular text we discuss solar fuels which allow to store solar energy on the long term in the form of chemical energy. It is an essential source of renewable energy and its technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending. Let the sunshine in. However people also harness the sun s energy in many other different ways.

The book is concluded with an. Technology has provided a numb. This handbook describes three major types of bonds. In one hour the earth receives more energy from the sun than the world consume in one year.

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. Solar energy earth receives 174 pw only 1 5 trillionth of total solar energy 30 is reflected back to space while the rest is absorbed by clouds oceans and land masses. General obligation bonds revenue bonds. You will be able to identify the key components needed in a basic.

There are such a wide variety of applications.