Solar energy

Energy from sun can be harvested in number of ways. One of the easiest and way is to trap heat directly from sun and use it for water heating. Heated water can be used for residential or industrial purposes. Solar energy can also be converted into electricity. Conversion is done by following two methods.

1.      Solar photovoltaic

2.      Solar thermal

Photovoltaic converts sunlight directly into electricity using PV panels.

Solar thermal uses lenses or reflector to concentrate sunlight heating water to convert into steam and propelling turbine.

Solar energy conversion has a unique characteristic from other conversions. Unlike other methods sunlight converts directly into electrical energy using PV without involving mechanical transformation. Solar energy can also be used directly heating water for residential use. Compared to other methods of electricity production it is a new concept and expansive. A lot of research is carried out to reduce the cost where it can become affordable for domestic use.

Solar energy can also be used for cooking and pasteurization. Solar cooker size ranges from small home cooker to large industrial ones. Solar bowl technology employed by the Solar Kitchen in India. A spherical reflector focuses light along a line perpendicular to the sphere's interior surface, a computer controlled system moves the receiver to intersect this line. Steam is produced in the receiver at temperatures reaching 150 °C and then used for cooking in the kitchen.

Solar energy can be used for water treatment to produce drinkable water from saline or brackish water. Water filled plastic bottles are exposed to sun light for hours. Sunlight treats the contaminated water through two synergetic mechanisms: Radiation in the spectrum of UV-A (wavelength 320-400nm) and increased water temperature. If the water temperatures raise above 50°C, process is three times faster.

Posted in: Photovoltaic,Solar,Solar thermal,water treatment