energy into electrical energy.

The efficiency of conversion of

light into electricity is only 18 per cent and it is expensive at
current prices. We can use solar energy in two ways: (1) use
of solar heat and (2) use of solar electricity. Use of the former
permits one to boil water or dry foodgrains. Accordingly,
several gadgets have been produced such as solar cooker (for
cooking), solar dryer (for drying grains), solar water heater
(for heating water), solar distillation (for water purification),
etc. Recently there have been extensive use of these solar
equipments in rural and semi-urban areas. By using the second
method, i.e., solar cell, sun rays are converted into electricity.
Since these solar cells are made of silicon, these are called
silicon cells.
The advantages of solar photovoltaics are that they can
replace systems which use diesel and they are free from
chemical and noise pollutions. They could be installed in
remote areas in forests and deserts where installation of
electric cables are cost-prohibitive.
Solar power, with government subsidy (Department of
Non-conventional Energy Source (DNES), Government of
India) is being used in remote rural areas in West Bengal in
the forms of solar lanterns, solar streetlights and solar pumps
(for irrigation). Solar powered small pumps are being used
in Delhi, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. It is desirable to
use solar cookers in villages on a large scale so that extensive
deforestation can be prevented. About 1 tonne of wood per
head per year can be saved by this process.
Figure 4.5 illustrates a detailed design for a solar heated
house during winter in developed countries like USA. In these
countries, 2025 per cent of fuel is consumed for providing
hot water to houses and buildings. Sunlight is collected on
Energy 55
plates in the roof and the heat is transferred to a circulating
water system. An average house with roof area about 1300
sq. ft. in central USA can get its energy supply for heating and
hot water supply in December by this method. This may well
apply to hill station houses in India in Jammu & Kashmir,
Nainital, Mussoorie, Darjeeling, etc. in DecemberJanuary.
Hot water
supply at 65C
To hot water
heating system
5000 gallon
water tank
From
heating
system
Cold water
at 25C
Pump on when
sun shines
Pump on
From water for heat
main
Solar heated
water at 65C
120 m collector 2