Solar energy is the energy received by the earth from the sun.

This energy is in the form of solar radiation, which makes the production of solar electricity possible. Solar energy is vital to support life on earth, it helps to grow our food, light our days, influence weather patterns, provide heat, and can be used to generate solar electricity. Solar electricity relies upon man-made devices such as solar panels or solar cells in order to provide a source of clean, and low cost renewable energy.

We have used energy from the sun to provide electricity for many years, in the form of solar cell calculators and other small, low energy consuming devices. As solar energy technologies become more advanced, we are able to exploit the energy we receive from the sun to provide a greater, significant amount of our electricity or even hot water (when using solar hot water panels). The solar energy describes how energy from the sun is transported to earth through the form of solar radiation. Photons contained in this solar radiation makes the generation of electricity from the sun rays possible.

Solar energy is also partly responsible for wind energy, as wind patterns are greatly influenced by the sun. Also, the sun is responsible for heating the ground beneath our feet to a significant degree to support the use of geothermal, ground source heat pumps. In 1956s, the solar or photovoltaic batteries were used in satellites in the space while they were used in places far from electrical lines, emergency telephone appliances on the road side in 1970s. Nowadays the use of solar energy at home has been widespread.

THE WORLDS LARGEST PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS

Power
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 97 MW 84.2 MW 80.2 MW 70.6 MW 60 MW

Location

Constructed
2009-2010 2009-2010 2009-2010 2010

CANADA, Ontario ITALY, Lazio GERMANY, Finsterwalde ITALY, Rovigo SPAIN, Olmedilla (Castilla- La Mancha)

The solar-powered technology has been developed too much so far. This technology has been seen at first in small electrical devices such as calculators, then in traffic lights. Now the solar batteries have become so widespread that they have been used even in backbags. The solar-powered cars have been produced and in Turkey a rally has been organised for solar-powered cars by Turkish Science and Research Institution (TUBITAK). The experimental dimension of these cars could be a handicap for their aesthetical aspect; however, Venturi Astrolab are more acceptable in terms of its functions.

SOLAR-POWERED STADIUM IN TAIWAN

HRREM KEBABI 11/E 6805