Solar Energy

Supriyo Chaudhuri, Class-X, Sec-B

Maharaja Agrasen Vidyalaya
Introduction:
Our energy requirements increase day by day with our standard of living. In order to fulfil this requirements,
we need to improve our energy usage and also to look for new sources of energy that can be regenerated
known as Renewable sources of energy. This is sustainable as it originates from sources that are inexhaustible
(unlike fossil fuels).

Solar, wind, biomass, geothermal hydro etc. are the clean, non-polluting sources of energy which occur
naturally and have a much lower environmental impact (no greenhouse gases) than conventional energy
technologies. Among these, solar energy is the most abundant, renewable energy source in the world.

The Power of Sun:

“The energy from the sun falls on the earth in one hour is more than we use in the world in one year”
About 173,000 terawatts (1.73x1017 Watts) of solar energy strike the Earth at any given time - more than
10,000 times the world's total energy needs. Sun releases energy called photons, which travel the 93 million
miles from the sun to Earth in about 8.5 minutes. Every hour, enough photons impact our planet to generate
enough solar energy to satisfy global energy needs for an entire year. By capturing the sun's energy and turning
it into electricity is a key solution in combating the current climate crisis and reducing our dependence on
fossil fuels. Today, we use the sun’s rays in many ways to grow crops, stay warm, and dry foods, clothes etc.

How Does Solar Energy Work?

Solar panels are used for capturing Solar energy. Each individual panel is constructed of a layer of solar cells
(silicon cells) grouped together into “arrays” and placed on rooftops or in large outdoor spaces. The solar
cells, are also called photovoltaic cells, absorb sunlight during daylight hours.
There are two categories of technologies that harness solar energy, Solar photovoltaics and Solar Thermal.
Solar Photovoltaic (or PV) converts sunlight directly into electricity by using solar cells made of
semiconductors (Silicon). It works by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from
atoms, generating a flow of electricity (specifically, direct current (DC)). This DC electricity is then converted
to alternating current (AC) by an inverter.
In contrast, Solar Thermal is a technology that utilizes the heat energy from the sun for heating
or electricity production.

Applications of Solar Power:

 Producing of electricity directly from sunlight, using for all domestic use (heating water, cooking,
using appliances etc.);
 All plants utilise solar energy to prepare food by the process of photosynthesis.
  Solar cells are used for many scientific and technological applications:
- Artificial satellites and space probes like Mars orbiters use solar cells as the main source of
energy
- Radio or wireless transmission systems or TV relay stations in remote locations use solar cell
panels.

Advantages of solar energy:

 Clean: It is the cleanest form of energy, no emission of CO2 (unlike fossil fuels) which is one of the
causes of global warming.
 Renewable: There is an ample amount of energy available on earth as long as the sun exists.
 Reliable: The energy can be stored in the batteries and so there is no question of unreliability.
 Solar cells have no moving parts, require little maintenance and can last for decades.
 Free energy because it can be trapped easily and Reduction in utility costs are main advantages.

There is absolutely no disadvantages of Solar energy, except the installation and the initial cost of the
materials which are bit expensive, but that can be compensated with the energy bill within few years.

Indian Perspective:
India is lucky to receive solar energy for greater part of the year. Solar power in India is a fast developing
industry. The country's solar installed capacity was 36.9 GW as of 30 November 2020. It is estimated that
during a year India receives the energy equivalent to more than 5,000 trillion kWh. Under clear (cloudless)
sky conditions, the daily average varies from 4 to 7 kWh/m2.
Gujarat is one of India's most solar-developed states. The state has commissioned Asia's largest solar park
near the village of Charanka in Patan district. It has been cited as an innovative and environmentally-friendly
project by the Confederation of Indian Industry. To make Gandhinagar a solar-power city, the state
government has begun a rooftop solar-power generation scheme. It plans to generate 5 MW of solar power by
putting solar panels on about 50 state-government buildings and 500 private buildings.

Myth about Solar Energy:

There is a Myth that cloudy weather affect Solar Energy, but, it is actually not. The production is low during
winters and on cloudy days. Most electronics and solar panels are actually more efficient in cold weather than
warm weather. This allows the panel to produce more electricity in the same amount of time. As the
temperature rises, the panel generates less voltage and produces less electricity.

Conclusion:
 The Sun has been radiating an enormous amount of energy since approx. 5 billion years and will
continue radiating at that rate for about 5 billion years more.
 The solar energy available in a single year exceeds the possible energy output of all of the fossil
fuel energy reserves in India.
 Solar power is clean green electricity sourced from sunlight.