Solar Energy Technology

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Solar Energy Technology

Abstract
Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-
evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar
architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.
It is an important source of renewable energy and its technologies are broadly characterized as
either passive solar or active solar depending on how they capture and distribute solar energy
or convert it into solar power. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic systems,
concentrated solar power and solar water heating to harness the energy. Passive solar
techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal
mass or light-dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.
The large magnitude of solar energy available makes it a highly appealing source of electricity
and much research is required to take advantage of this technology.
Solar energy Technology 11/7/2019
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Table of Contents
1.0 Solar Energy
Solar energy simply means energy that comes from the sun. Sun is a powerful source of energy.
Without it, there would have been no life on the Earth. It is renewable, free, widely available
and clean form of energy that is currently in use by many home and business owners for variety
of purposes.
Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-
evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar
architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.
Solar power is energy that is derived from the sun and converted into heat or electricity. It is a
versatile source of renewable energy that can be used in an amazing number of applications,
providing power for everything from cars and boats to houses and spacecraft.
Solar energy is all about converting the energy from the sun into energy that we can use. There
are three major ways that we can do this.
Photovoltaic Processes (PV)
Photovoltaic processes happen with PV devices, which take the sunlight and make it into
electricity.
PV processes use materials that are known for naturally changing sunlight into electricity,
which are known in the science world as semiconductors.
When the sunlight hits these semiconductors, they produce electrons, which are pushed through
the device and make a current.
PV devices are still in development at this point in time; some rays of light, including UV and
infrared, cannot be utilized by PV devices. This can be problematic when the sun is not shining
brightly and these are the main rays that are being produced.
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Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC)
Solar heating and cooling (SHC) is all about thermal energy.
The energy that is created from the sun is switched into energy that can be used to either heat
or cool the devices that are being powered.
At this point, there are processes that can help in almost any context that you can imagine, from
commercial buildings to homes.
The main reason that solar heating and cooling devices are necessary is because we need to
reduce our dependence on natural gases and other fossil fuels.
Technology in the SHC sector is always changing and adapting, and advances are being made
in this area of science every single day.
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)
Concentrating solar power, usually referred to as CSP, are some of the newest technologies that
are out there, even though the concept is not as new as many think it is. People have used the
concept behind it for a very long time, which is why it’s shocking that it’s taken so long for us
to actually harness it on a larger scale.
Mirrors are the main focus of CSP plants; they concentrate the energy from the sun to cause
everything to work effectively. Without the mirrors, CSP systems would not work as effectively
as some of the other systems that are currently out on the market today.
The sun’s energy then makes steam engines and turbines go so that the electricity can be
produced and stored. This makes it different than the other types because the storage system is
a lot more advanced than what you see from the other types of solar energy that are currently
being used.
Currently, there are just over 1500 different CSP plants located throughout the entire United
States; there are over 400 more to be planned within the next 5 years. By the 2020’s, the plan
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is to have over 3000 CSP’s working throughout the country, with over 5000 throughout the
entire world.
PV Solar Plant (ground-mounted)
1.1 Details of the Basics
We now live in the age when solar energy is used efficiently, sustainably, and peacefully. The
key technology that allows us to use the sun’s energy is solar photovoltaics.
Solar energy is all about converting the energy from the sun into energy that we can use. There
are three major ways that we can do this.
1.1.1 Photovoltaic Processes (PV)
Photovoltaic processes happen with PV devices, which take the sunlight and make it into
electricity. PV processes use materials that are known for naturally changing sunlight into
electricity, which are known in the science world as semiconductors. When the sunlight hits
these semiconductors, they produce electrons, which are pushed through the device and make
a current. PV devices are still in development at this point in time; some rays of light, including
UV and infrared, cannot be utilized by PV devices. This can be problematic when the sun is
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not shining brightly and these are the main rays that are being produced.
1.1.2 Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC)
Solar heating and cooling (SHC) are all about thermal energy. The energy that is created from
the sun is switched into energy that can be used to either heat or cool the devices that are being
powered. At this point, there are processes that can help in almost any context that you can
imagine, from commercial buildings to homes. The main reason that solar heating and cooling
devices are necessary is because we need to reduce our dependence on natural gases and other
fossil fuels. Technology in the SHC sector is always changing and adapting, and advances are
being made in this area of science every single day.
1.1.3 Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)
Concentrating solar power, usually referred to as CSP, are some of the newest technologies that
are out there, even though the concept is not as new as many think it is. People have used the
concept behind it for a very long time, which is why it’s shocking that it’s taken so long for us
to actually harness it on a larger scale. Mirrors are the main focus of CSP plants; they
concentrate the energy from the sun to cause everything to work effectively. Without the
mirrors, CSP systems would not work as effectively as some of the other systems that are
currently out on the market today.
The sun’s energy then makes steam engines and turbines go so that the electricity can be
produced and stored. This makes it different than the other types because the storage system is
a lot more advanced than what you see from the other types of solar energy that are currently
being used.
Currently, there are just over 1500 different CSP plants located throughout the entire United
States; there are over 400 more to be planned within the next 5 years. By the 2020’s, the plan
is to have over 3000 CSP’s working throughout the country, with over 5000 throughout the
entire world.
Solar photovoltaics is used to convert sunlight into electricity. Solar photovoltaic cells are made
of semiconductor materials (for example, silicon). When exposed to sunlight, the
semiconducting material causes electrons in the materials’ atoms to be knocked loose. The
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electrons that are knocked loose then flow through the material to produce an electric current
known as a direct current (DC).
In short, the light separates electrons from atoms to create an electric current. The following
picture illustrates the process schematically. Red wavy arrows on the picture represent sunlight,
and encircled minuses stand for electrons —negatively charged particles. Red arrows
symbolize the direct electric current.
1.2 Photo-effect
In physics, this effect is known as photo-effect. The direct current (DC) thus generated can be
converted into an alternating current (AC) with the help of a special tool called inverter (more
on that below).
2.0 What is a PV solar plant?
Photovoltaics is widely used from simple calculators and watches to complex industrial objects.
Our concern here are PV solar plants generating objects (power stations) that directly
transforms sunlight into electricity which is then fed into the grid.
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PV solar plant are distinguished from other similar generating object by two main features:
1. PV solar plants use photo-effect directly, and do not rely any additional processes or
devices (such as warming up the heat-carrying agent, like water in the case of solar
thermal plants);
2. PV solar plants do not concentrate energy (for example, by heating the water); they
transmit it to the grid.
Any PV solar plant has the following basic structural components (see the picture below):
A. The solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity, generating a direct current (DC)
with voltage up to 1500 V;
B. The inverter system that transforms direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC);
C. The monitoring system to control and manage the plant;
D. Finally, there is an external power grid to which the plant is connected.

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PV Solar Plant principle diagram
Power systems that generate power of 500 kW or higher are usually supplemented with step-
up transformers for further connection to the grid.
Let’s deal with the PV solar plant’s structure step by step.
2.1 Solar Panels

Solar panels constitute the most important element of the whole plant as they convert sunlight
into electricity. The construction of solar panels makes use of lead-free, optically transparent,
anti-reflective glass, which can withstand the tested shot of an ice ball with 35mm diameter at
a speed of 30 m/s.
Solar panels are a type of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy, which we explored in more detail
above. In short, the energy from the sun goes through semiconductors, which in turn create the
electricity and develop it so that it can be utilized effectively.
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Solar panels take all kinds of light, not just the sun, and turns it into energy over time. The sun
is just where the majority of the light comes from. On the solar panels, they have a mass number
of solar cells. A cell by itself cannot do much, but a group of cells can help to create enough
energy to power whatever it is that they are trying to power.
Solar cells are tiny disks, usually made of something like silicon. The solar cells will only
produce power as long as they are being hit by light – once the light is taken away from the
cell, then you will not get any more power. Many solar panels are equipped with the ability to
turn the cells toward the place where the light source is coming from at a specific point in time.
Solar panels are the main way that the space station, along with various other astronomical
technologies, get the electricity that they need in order to take care of all of the energy needs
that they utilize in the space station.
Solar panels are incredibly efficient, and they will be even more so depending on the type of
concentrators that you put in there. Technology for solar panels is always changing, so it’s
important to keep an eye on the technology and update as you deem necessary. The most well-
built solar panels are very hardy and can last for a long time if they are well taken care of.
The weather around the area in which solar panels are utilizing the solar panels will have a
large effect on how long the solar panels are going to last. Wear and tear can cause some major
issues if tracking of of how well that they are doing in a period of time.
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Solar panels consist of modules which are formed by interconnecting of individual cells.
Depending on the production technology, one can distinguish between the two categories of
solar panels.
1. First, there are crystalline solar panels, usually made of crystalline silicon. Depending on
the kind of crystal used, they could be monocrystalline and poly- or multicrystalline.
Monocrystalline modules typically are slightly more efficient but relatively more
expensive than multi-crystalline silicon modules. However, advancements in technology
increasingly narrow down such differences. Solar companies use crystalline solar panels,
because of their higher performance and durability.
2. Second, there are also thin-film solar panels, based on a series of films that absorb
different parts of light spectrum. These panels are mostly made of amorphous silicon (aSi),
cadmium telluride (CdTe), cadmium sulphide (CdS), copper indium (gallium) diselenide.
Thin-film solar panels can be applied as flexible films laid over existing surfaces or
integrated with building components such as roof tiles.
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3.0 Supporting Structures
The solar panels are mounted on supporting structures and connected to successive chains.
Supporting structures are made from aluminum profiles and stainless-steel fasteners.
The most commonly used type is a fixed structure with fixed solar panel installation angle.
Fixed supporting structures can be anchor block-based and ballast-based. The former is
used in construction of PV solar plants on the ground; the latter allows to integrate solar panels
into the office or industrial buildings.
Solar panels are also equipped with trackers devices that track the movement of the sun and
thus allow to maximize the energy performance of the plant. Thanks to the trackers, the solar
panels can spin around to catch the most of daylight and be more efficient.
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Trackers can be based on a single axis (right side of the picture) or on the two axes (right side).
The former can track sun only during the day, while the latter can also take into account the
changes in the intensity and angle of the sunlight in different times of the year.
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3.1 Inverter System
Solar panels are mounted on supporting structures and connected to successive chains.
The chains of the solar panels are connected in groups to the on-grid inverters. The inverters
are the “brain” of the whole PV plant. Inverters efficiently convert direct current (DC) from the
solar panels into alternate current (AC) and, with the help of a transformer, to increase voltage
and transmit electricity to the grid.
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Generally, there are three types of inverters (inverter types):
1. Central inverters with power from .ca 100 kW to several MW. Central inverters are
supplied as containers or platforms with built-in step-up transformers, together with
combiner boxes to connect the successive chains of the solar panels. One central inverter
usually monitors the maximum power of the solar panels. Central inverter systems
currently achieve up to 98.6% in performance efficiency.
2. String inverters are smaller and possess less power, from 10 to 30 kW with 380 V of
output voltage. These inverters do not require any special techniques to be installed at the
plant, and this is why the use of the string inverters makes the entire process of PV solar
plant construction much easier and drives the future operating costs down. However, in
terms of performance efficiency string inverters are completely comparable with the
central ones, reaching the score of 98.2% — 98.6%.
3. Conventional string and central solar inverters are connected to multiple modules to create
an array that effectively is a single large panel. By contrast, micro-inverters convert
generation from individual solar PV modules; the output of several micro-inverters is
combined and often fed into the electric grid. A primary advantage of micro-inverters is
that they isolate and tune the output of individual panels, reducing the effects that shading
or failure of any one (or more) module(s) has on the output of an entire array.
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4.0 Monitoring Systems
The inverter system is supplemented by a monitoring system, which stores and sends snapshots,
containing information about all nodes of the PV plant, every 15 seconds. PV solar plants with
a capacity of 15 MW or more are further supplemented by weather stations that helps predict
the system’s energy production and possible emergence of contingencies.
The monitoring system controls the working parameters of the entire PV solar plant and its,
helps to identify malfunctions and deviations from established patterns, and allows for a better
risk management. The monitoring system supplements the inverter system. It collects and
stores all operating data from the solar plant’s main components.
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The main features of the system are:
a) Real-time monitoring of equipment’s operation
b) Preparation of graphic-based reports
c) Analysis and comparison of individual power system units’ operation
d) Emergency signaling for deviations from the norm and other extreme conditions
e) Interactive diagram display of PVS, including detailed information about component

location and enabling navigation and localization of any technical failures
f) Export of monitoring results, publishing of data on a web-server, and printing
g) Access to the monitoring system is usually granted via web browser or mobile app.
The monitoring system helps to keep records of the produced and consumed energy and
analyses the plant’s efficiency; identify malfunctions and predict technical failures; plan the
maintenance and inventory replacement.
5.0 Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy
5.1 Advantages
In general, Solar energy is free although there is a cost in the building of ‘collectors’ and other
equipment required to convert solar energy into electricity or hot water. Solar energy does not
cause pollution. However, solar collectors and other associated equipment machines are
manufactured in factories that in turn cause some pollution. Solar energy can be used in remote
areas where it is too expensive to extend the electricity power grid. Many everyday items such
as calculators and other low power consuming devices can be powered by solar energy
effectively. It is estimated that the world’s oil reserves will last for 30 to 40 years. On the other
hand, solar energy is infinite (forever). The summary of advantages are as follows:
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1. Renewable and Sustainable: Solar power is renewable and sustainable. Sun is going
to shine till the end of this planet. It all depend on us how can we make best use of
resources and use this free source of energy to power our homes and offices.
2. Power Remote Areas: This clean and renewable source of power has proved boon for
people living in remote areas and not necessarily connected to national grid.
3. No Pollution: Solar energy is silent and produces no pollution at all. This is one of the
big reasons why it is favored by many people all around the world.
4. Surplus Electricity: The surplus electricity that is generated can be send back to the
power grid and you can get rebate in your monthly electricity bill.
5. Reduce Electricity Bills: The electricity that is generated can be used to power fans,
lights, charge mobiles and much more. It is free, renewable, can be produced on demand
and also helps you to bring down your monthly electricity bill.
6. Low Maintenance: Solar panels when installed, require little or no maintenance. They
require cleaning only few times a year.
7. Job Creation: The solar energy sector has open tremendous opportunities for people.
Without doubt, it has slightly reduced the unemployment rate in a country.
5.2 Disadvantages
Remarkably, Solar energy can only be harnessed when it is daytime and sunny. Solar collectors,
panels and cells are relatively expensive to manufacture although prices are falling rapidly.
Solar power stations can be built but they do not match the power output of similar sized
conventional power stations. They are also very expensive. In countries such as the UK, the
unreliable climate means that solar energy is also unreliable as a source of energy. Cloudy skies
reduce its effectiveness. Large areas of land are required to capture the suns energy. Collectors
are usually arranged together especially when electricity is to be produced and used in the same
location. Solar power is used to charge batteries so that solar powered devices can be used at
night. However, the batteries are large and heavy and need storage space. They also need
replacing from time to time. The following in summary are the disadvantages:
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1. Initial Investment: An initial investment is what is required if you need to harness
energy from the sun. This cost can however pay itself in 10-15 years’ time frame
depending on the amount of energy harnessed and the money saved in buying electricity
from local grid.
2. Available During Daytime: Solar energy can only be harnessed during daytime. This
simply means you can use this source of energy for half a day only.
3. Not Effective During Cloudy or Rainy Seasons: Cloudy and rainy seasons reduce the
effectiveness of solar panels. This is the reason why solar energy is not successful in
areas where it remains cloudy for most of the time of the year.
4. Large Setup Required: For a large business owner, a huge setup may be required to
harness solar energy as its demand for energy may be more which may not get fulfilled
by installing solar panels just at the rooftops.
5. Expensive Storage: The energy harnessed from the sun needs to be stored in the
batteries to make it available for use later at home or office. The cost of these batteries
may influence a buyer’s decision to go for solar power.
6.0 Conclusion
There are a number of things that solar power is used for, and as the technology continues to
move forward, even more of those things will come to light and it will become a lot easier for
us to snatch the power from the sun and use it to power everything that we have. It is really
smart and innovative to go out and invest in these technologies as they continue to move
forward and change the way that we look at and embrace the world around us.
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7.0 Bibliography
Concentrating Solar Power [Video file]. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1-zjbRqYXk
Energy Basics: Photovoltaic Cells. (2013, April 22). Retrieved July 2016, from
http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/pv_cells.html
Energy Basics: Photovoltaics systems. (2016, April 22). Retrieved from

http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/photovoltaics.html
Energy Basics: Photovoltaics. (2016, April 22). Retrieved from

http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/photovoltaics.html
Geothermal Energy in The US Has Great Potential [Video file]. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRfKB5thJq4
How Much Money Will a Solar Power System Save Me?. (2016, May 4). Retrieved from
http://www.cleanenergyauthority.com/solar-energy-resources/how-much-money-will-a-solar-
power-system-save-me/
How PV Cells Work. (n.d.). Retrieved July 2016, from

http://teams.eas.muohio.edu/solarpower/WhatIsSolarPower.html
Off The Grid Large Solar Panel System - AC Power for Home. (n.d.). Retrieved July 2016,
from http://www.wholesalesolar.com/solarpowersystems/large-plus-ac-home-off-grid-solar-
power-system.html
PV Solar: save money and help the planet. Earth Day 2016, April 22 [Video file]. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQdaJCBWilw
Solar Power Facts for Kids - Energy from the Sun. (2016, July 13). Retrieved from
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/energy/solarpower.html
Solar Power. (n.d.). Retrieved July 2016, from

http://library.thinkquest.org/06aug/01335/solar.htm
The Power—and Beauty—of Solar Energy | TIME.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://science.time.com/2016/06/13/the-power-and-beauty-of-solar-energy/
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Apex business

The basics from experts

Solar Energy Technology

Photovoltaic Processes (PV)

which are known in the science world as semiconductors.

Solar heating and cooling (SHC) is all about thermal energy.

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

PV Solar Plant (ground-mounted)

1.1 Details of the Basics

1.1.1 Photovoltaic Processes (PV)

1.1.2 Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC)

1.1.3 Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

2.0 What is a PV solar plant?

C. The monitoring system to control and manage the plant;

D. Finally, there is an external power grid to which the plant is connected.

Let’s deal with the PV solar plant’s structure step by step.

2.1 Solar Panels

a) Real-time monitoring of equipment’s operation

b) Preparation of graphic-based reports

c) Analysis and comparison of individual power system units’ operation

e) Interactive diagram display of PVS, including detailed information about component

f) Export of monitoring results, publishing of data on a web-server, and printing

5.0 Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Concentrating Solar Power [Video file]. (n.d.). Retrieved from

Energy Basics: Photovoltaics systems. (2016, April 22). Retrieved from

Energy Basics: Photovoltaics. (2016, April 22). Retrieved from

How PV Cells Work. (n.d.). Retrieved July 2016, from

Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQdaJCBWilw

Solar Power. (n.d.). Retrieved July 2016, from

The Power—and Beauty—of Solar Energy | TIME.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from

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