Renewable Energy Sources: Solar energy systems

Solar energy is one of the main sources of renewable green energy constantly replenished freely by nature. By “Solar energy” we define all forms of energy powered by the Sun. The sunlight and solar heat radiated to earth are being absorbed, dispersed and converted to other forms of energy. With the use of technology we are able to explore the sun power reaching the surface of the earth. In general, solar energy systems can be divided in three system categories: Solar thermal systems, passive solar systems and Photovoltaic systems.

Solar Thermal systems

In Solar Thermal Systems, the radiated solar energy is absorbed and converted to heat (thermal energy) which can be stored, conducted (transferred) and used for consumption (e.g. hot water) or for further energy conversion (e.g. production of electricity by use of a turbine). Collection of solar energy is possible through the use of solar collectors; dark colored surfaces positioned to face the sun and absorb sun-heat which they transfer to another medium (usually liquid e.g. water or oil).

One of the most popular solar thermal system applications is the solar-water-heater typically installed on roof tops of houses to provide for the household hot-water-needs. Different types of such applications have been developed for household, industrial or other utility applications with a range of capabilities relating to size, efficiency level, complexity of system design and system options. Some examples include solar heating for hot-water-use or, through more sophisticated solar thermal systems, for heating or cooling of whole buildings.

Solar Thermal Systems can also be used to convert sun power (heat) to electricity;

such solar systems use the same principle for “absorbing solar heat” through special solar collectors. The absorbed heat, usually stored in liquid, is used to drive a steam turbine to generate electricity.  These solar thermal systems utilize what is called “Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)” and are found in the power industry for generating electricity and supplying the power grid.

Passive Solar Systems

Passive systems constitute the basis of “bioclimatic design” principles in Architecture, and facilitate towards “conservation of energy” and “energy efficiency” in buildings.

Passive solar systems explore the vast capabilities and potential in the properties of materials used in the construction industry. Passive solar systems utilize design principles and construction materials’ thermal behavior to contribute towards exploring solar energy in the construction of buildings. Example applications of passive solar systems  include solutions optimizing natural lighting for a building, erecting special solar thermal walls with materials of high “thermal storage” (capable of storing heat) for monitoring heating and cooling of a building.

Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic solar panels (PV) convert solar radiation, through a process called ‘photoelectric effect’ into electricity; thus solar energy (light) is converted into electric energy in the form of direct current (DC). Photovoltaic systems can be used either in autonomous installations in remote areas where the generated electricity is consumed on the spot of generation for own electric needs (eg in a remote farm or house) or in Photovoltaic systems connected to the power distribution network, where generated electricity is transferred over the grid and is consumed at a different location.

Photovoltaic panels (PV) use semiconductor materials including mono-crystalline or polycrystalline silicon which exhibit the photovoltaic effect and generate electricity from exposure to light. Recent technological advancement in the Photovoltaic panels coupled with the long-expected reduction in PV costs have geared a booming market of PV applications.

Solar energy systems have a very promising future as an important renewable energy solution to the global environmental challenges. One of the main advantages of Solar energy systems over other renewable or non-renewable energy solutions is the fact that solar radiation is freely available at the time of increased energy demand (e.g. solar cooling) thus can become the preferable renewable green energy solution to power the world.