Solar Energy
What is solar energy?
● Solar energy is a renewable energy source of light
and heat from the sun. There are two types:
photovoltaic and thermal.
● This energy is harnessed through technologies like
artificial photosynthesis and molten salt power plants.
● Benefit: doesn’t produce air pollutants or CO2
● Limitation: sunlight is not constant; large area
required to gather enough energy.
Photovoltaic:
● Also known as Solar cells or (PV). The name
Photovoltaic derives from the words photons and
voltage because through the photovoltaic process,
we are converting sunlight (photons) into electricity
(voltage). This is also known as the PV Effect
which was discovered in 1954.
Solar Panels:
In 1954, it was found that silicon could create an electric
charge when exposed to sunlight.
1. Solar panels collect sunlight.
2. Inverters convert solar power into useable
electricity.
3. Electricity is used by the consumer.
4. Leftover electricity goes back to the grid.
 Thermal How is it used?
Solar thermal energy systems are used to heat water
What is thermal solar energy? for homes, building, and swimming pools. It is also used
This is the energy that converts sunlight into heat. for indoor heating and running solar thermal power
plants.

How does it work?

Solar power plants will collect the sun’s rays to heat a
fluid that is circulated into the receiver and used to
produce steam. The steam is converted into mechanical
energy in a turbine, which powers a generator to
produce electricity. Solar thermal power systems have
tracking systems that keep sunlight focused onto the
receiver throughout the day as the sun changes
position in the sky.
Sources

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/?page=solar_thermal_power_pla
ntshttps://
www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/how-does-solar-power-work-anyw
ay
https://www.rd.com/home/6-electricity-myths-that-can-kill/
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-thermal-energy-definition-
examples.html
https://www.nrel.gov/workingwithus/re-photovoltaics.html