Solar Power Digest

Solar energy, also known as solar power, is a renewable and sustainable source of electricity generated by harnessing energy from the sun’s radiation. It is one of the cleanest and most abundant forms of energy available on Earth. Solar energy plays a significant role in the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system. Here are some key aspects of solar energy:

• Solar energy is typically captured using solar panels, which are composed of photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells are made of semiconductor materials, such as silicon, which can absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. The process of converting sunlight into electricity is known as the photovoltaic effect.

• There are various types of solar technologies, including:
  • Photovoltaic Solar Cells (PV): These are the most common and widely used solar panels that directly convert sunlight into electricity.
  • Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): CSP systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area, typically a heat-absorbing fluid. The heated fluid is then used to generate steam, which drives a turbine to produce electricity.
  • Solar Thermal Systems: Solar thermal systems use sunlight to heat a fluid or material, such as water or molten salt, which can then be used to produce steam and generate electricity or provide space heating.