Introduction Definition of Photovoltaic Effect: "The generation of electric current when certain materials are exposed to light." Importance of Clean Energy: "Addressing environmental concerns and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources." Overview of Solar Cells: "Devices that harness the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight into electricity." Presentation title 3
Working principle Structure of a Solar Cell: "Composed of semiconductor materials arranged in layers." Excitation of Electrons: "Photons from sunlight excite electrons, moving them to a higher energy state." Generation of Electric Current: "Excited electrons create an electric current, providing usable electricity." Presentation title 4
Semiconductor materials Common Materials: "Silicon, CdTe , CIGS are widely used for their semiconductor properties." Formation of Electron-Hole Pairs: "Photons create electron-hole pairs, enabling the flow of electric charge." Role of Band Gap: "The band gap determines the energy required for electron excitation." Presentation title 5
Applications Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Use Solar cells power a range of applications, from homes to large-scale industries." Environmental Benefits "Solar energy reduces carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment." Contribution to Sustainability : "Solar power is a key player in sustainable energy practices." Presentation title 6
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PRINCIPLE OF DIRECT SOLAR ENERGY
INTRODUCTION Direct solar energy is a captivating force. It's harnessed without complex machinery, simply by utilizing the sun's radiant heat and light directly. Imagine capturing the very power that drives ecosystems and warms our planet, making it work for our modern needs.
PRINCIPLES Photovoltaic Conversion: Principle: This relies on the photoelectric effect. When sunlight hits certain materials (like silicon in solar cells), photons (light particles) can knock electrons loose from their atoms. This creates a flow of electricity within the material, which can be harnessed as direct current. 2 . Thermal Conversion: Principle: This focuses on absorbing the sun's heat for various applications.
APPLICATIONS Electricity Generation: Rooftop panels and large solar farms are generating clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Water Heating: Solar water heaters tap into the sun's warmth to provide hot water for homes and buildings. Food Processing: Drying crops with solar ovens preserves food, preventing spoilage and improving food security. Space Heating and Cooling: Direct solar systems can heat and cool buildings sustainably, lowering energy costs and emissions.
Merits and demerits MERITS: Renewable and abundant: The sun is a limitless resource, unlike finite and polluting fossil fuels. Environmentally friendly: Generates minimal to no emissions, air pollution, or water pollution, promoting clean air and a healthier planet. DEMERITS: Weather dependence: Production fluctuates with sunlight, necessitating energy storage solutions or backup power sources, adding to costs. (Insert image of a cloudy sky over a solar farm) Initial investment: Upfront costs of systems can be high, although financial incentives often provide support.
Solar Photovoltaic System Conversion into electricity in a solar cell
Conversion of solar energy into electrical energy Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. This energy can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage.
Solar Radiations Solar radiation is light – also known as electromagnetic radiation – that is emitted by the sun. While every location on Earth receives some sunlight over a year, the amount of solar radiation that reaches any one spot on the Earth’s surface varies. Solar technologies capture this radiation and turn it into useful forms of energy.
Solar Radiations There are two main types of solar energy technologies—photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP). PHOTOVOLTAICS When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the PV cells in the panel. This energy creates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field in the cell, causing electricity to flow.
Solar Power Solar power , also known as solar electricity , is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV) or indirectly using concentrated solar power. Photovoltaic cells convert light into an electric current using the photovoltaic effect.