Everything you wanted to know about Solar Energy

             Hi everybody in this topic i am going to discuss all about solar energy  and its use in generating  electricity 

• Why Solar?

        Our sun is a source of free infnite energy which is inexhaustible and provides solar eneergy equivalent to 1000 kW/Hr for Sq.m of space.

        This energy is equivalent to  energy produced by burning of 100 L of heating oil.This data shows the extent of  free energy available for human being at his disposal.Also another popular research  reports that
 the total amount of fossil fuels used by humans since the beginning of civilization is equivalent to less                    than 30 days of sunshine. 

    Considering these key facts it becomes vital to replace the polluting energy resources to solar energy in the near future

• How is it done?

     For the conversion of solar energy into  electricity a special device called Photovoltaic cell is used.These cells are usually made up of n-doped and p-doped silicon cells which  form a junction as shown in figure.Contacts are provided on both sides for conduction .A glass plating is provided for protection.Whenever sunlight falls on n-doped region the excess electrons generated flow through the load for instance a bulb to the p-doped region.The electrons cannot flow directly as  potential difference layer is generated in  between the n-doped and p-doped regions which blocks the flow of electrons 

• Types of panels:-

      As efficiency of the panels is a an important parameter along with its costing ,it becomes essential to chose the proper type of panel for a specified purpose.Unfortunately despite the technological advancements ,we have benn able to achieve upto 21% of efficiency.

1. MONOCRYSTALLINE:    These panels are usually characterised by octogonal silicon bars inside them,This makes the panel best efficient when sunlight is directly falling on the panel in perpendicular direction.But due to octagonal shapes,area occupancy inside the panel is not efficient,a lot of area is wasted.

    2.POLYCRYSTALLINE:These panels are made of silicon offcuts,moulded to form blocks of pure crystals.These panels are efficient with sunlight from all directions and also in low light.

    3.HYBRID:These panels are modified ones and are best suited in field of applications which have less space for installations of panels.

                                                                          

• Milestones achieved:-

1. Project in Ivanpah,California:The 377 megawatt project in california's mojave desert uses mirrors to focus on solar receivers is estimated to serve more than 1,40,000 homes in california.The project will reduce carbon-dioxide emission of 400,000 tons per year.

    2.Gujarat solar park,India:-It is the name given to solar park projects in gujarat,India.Under this project a total of 605 MW of energy will be available for use.Also innovative idea of installing solar panels on canals is done which would prove useful for both environment impact as well as utilisation of available area.

       Also domestically solar water heaters are being installed for heating purpose against the conventional electric geysers.Government is also playing a vital role by providing subsidised costs for various equipments related to solar.

• SOLAR DIY:

  Learning solar is a great idea for the future generations.Various ideas  for school projects and college projects  as well as for home implementations are available for of cost on various websites which are great for learning the solar technology.Here are some:

1. www.builditsolar.com
2. www.electronicsforyou.com
3. www.engineersgarage.com