Solar Energy Panels TESLA
definition of solar energy
Solar energy is defined as the energy resulting from converting sunlight into electricity through the use of photovoltaic solar cells. and it is one of the most important and fastest growing renewable energy sources among them; It promises a promising future in providing energy for various uses.
Every location on Earth receives an amount of sunlight throughout the year. but the amount of solar. radiation that one spot receives varies from one place to another on the Earth's surface. and that amount is called solar radiation. which is also known as photovoltaic radiation; It is emitted from the sun in the form of light that is captured by solar energy technologies, and converted into useful forms of energy.
Fields of use of solar energy
Photovoltaic systems
Photovoltaic systems are one of the most common ways to use solar energy, also known as solar cell systems. and they produce electricity directly from sunlight. when solar panels are exposed to sunlight, these cells absorb energy from sunlight, and this energy generates electric charges that move in response to an electric field internal in cells which leads to the flow of electricity.
This system consists of solar cells made of semiconducting materials, and when these materials are exposed to sunlight, solar energy stimulates the electrons in the atoms of these materials to move away from the nuclei; This causes them to move through the semiconductor material. thus generating electricity that can be used directly or stored in batteries. The process of converting sunlight (photons) into electricity (voltages) is called the photoelectric effect.
Concentrated Solar Energy Systems
Concentrated solar power systems rely on the use of mirrors and lenses to focus a large amount of sunlight on a small area. and then convert solar energy into heat. The concentrated solar power system consists of 3 main units. which are as follows:
- Solar field: The solar field converts solar energy into thermal energy.
- Heat tank: works to store thermal energy by using molten salt as a heat storage medium.
- Energy production unit: Electricity is generated in this unit using a steam turbine that works on steam from solar energy.
Solar Heating Systems
Solar Power Systems for Heating technologies use thermal energy from the sun to provide hot water and heating for residential. commercial and industrial facilities, and these systems provide an alternative to using electricity or natural gas. and these systems consist of three main elements, namely: the collector Main, insulated piping. and hot water tank, and these systems can include optional tools, such as: electronic control units, and an anti-freeze system when needed, especially in cold climate areas.
These systems provide adequate internal heat, in two ways, as follows:
- Active solar heating method: proper heat is provided in this way by circulating hot water or gas by a pump or fan.
- Passive solar heating method: This method allows heat to move inside buildings in a natural way without using external energy.
Benefits of solar energy for the individual
The use of solar energy at the individual level has many benefits, including the following:
- A renewable energy source : Solar energy is one of the renewable energy sources. Where it is available every day in different parts of the world, and solar energy does not run out, unlike some other energy sources, and humans can benefit from solar energy for at least 5 billion years; That is, until the end of the remaining life of the sun, as determined by scientists.
- A way to reduce energy bills : A person can replace the energy sources he uses with solar energy generated by the solar system he uses, so the value of saving energy bills will depend on the amount of electricity and heating use, in addition to the size of the existing solar system, the larger its size, the less need to use energy sources Other and reduce the bills incurred.
- Various applications : Solar energy is used in many applications in addition to generating electricity and heat; It can also be used to distill water in areas that lack clean water, as well as to operate satellites in space.
- Low maintenance costs : Solar energy systems are among the systems that do not require much maintenance, and it is sufficient to clean them several times a year by the same person or specialized cleaning companies.
Benefits of solar energy on the environment
The use of solar energy has many benefits to the environment, including the following:
- Water conservation.
- Reduce air pollution.
- slow climate change.
- Reducing the carbon footprint.
- Reducing reliance on traditional organic fuels.
