Solar Power Harvesting

An Introductory Note
 SOLAR ENERGY

The sun core temperature is about 15

million degree centigrade, but its surface
temperature is 60000C.
The energy is as a result of nuclear fusion of
the hydrogen molecules.
It is a renewable and green energy source.
 SOLAR COLLECTORS/PANELS

The device that converts solar energy into

other forms of energy is called solar
collectors or panels.
There are two types of solar panels which are:
Non-concentrating (e.g. flat plate) solar
collectors/panels
Focusing (Concentrating)
collectors/panels
Flat Plate Solar Collectors
This is a large shallow metal box typically
mounted on a roof or a high stand. It is
usually designed to operate in low
temperature range starting from ambient or
surrounding to 1000C.
 Focusing collectors

This type of collector uses a concave

reflector (mirrors or lens) to concentrate the
solar beam. The intensity of the beam is
raised from 2 to 10000 times. It is more
efficient than the flat plate panels.
 How does a flat plate solar collector
work?

Sunlight passes through the glazed cover and strikes

the absorber plate.
The absorber plate heats up, changing solar radiation
into heat energy.
The temperature of the absorber plate rises until
equilibrium temperature.
The hot absorber plate then transfers the heat energy
through the flow tubes in the liquid.
The heated liquid is transferred to a tank for storage
and usage.
 Applications of solar collectors

It is used at homes and hospitals for

heating water for hot water baths.
It is also used in big laundry facilities to
heat water for washing.
It is also used for the distillation of salt
water to produce portable water.
It is used for generating electricity.
 EXAM STYLED QUESTIONS
Q1. Identify the parts labeled A,B and C in the figure below and state
one function of each of them.
 EXPLANATION
(a) Function of metal flat plate of solar panel
- Receives and absorbs solar radiation to
produce heat
(b) Function of internal insulator of solar
panel
- Minimizes heat loss
(c) Function of tubes of solar panel
- Helps to circulate the heat 
Q2. The process of energy production in the sun
is?
A. nuclear fission
B. nuclear fusion
C. electron collision
D. radioactive decay