Solar Energy

We can derive energy from the Sun in many different ways, which makes solar energy projects some of
the most inexpensive and accessible for volunteers. The light and heat generated by the sun can be
captured actively through photovoltaic (PV) arrays and solar ovens or passively for heating and lighting.
PV panels capture the sun’s rays to directly create electricity, while most other solar technologies create
thermal energy for various purposes.

Photovoltaic Arrays
PV arrays are composed of small units made from metals that capture light rays, or photons, from the sun
and convert them into electrical energy current. This electricity can be used to directly power household
appliances and electronics, and can be stored with batteries to keep them on at night. PV systems have a
few basic components:
(1) The sun! – PV systems must have high amounts of solar radiation during the day to maximize
their cost and power efficiency. While panels work on cloudy days, they greatly lose efficiency. Thus,
some sites are better suited for PV systems.
(2) PV array(s) – Panels vary in size, or the number
of PV cells in the array, wattage, materials, and cost.
Each factor must be considered for the needs of specific
projects. For household systems, a silicon panel of 50-60
Watts is about $360 USD.
(3) Charge regulator – Paired with the battery, the
regulator prevents over-charging or complete discharge,
distributes the electricity, and controls the voltage.
(4) Battery – Stores the electricity for later use. 12
Volt batteries with a capacity of 80-100 amps/hr are
common, which includes car batteries and special solar
batteries.
(5) Invertor – Though not necessary for some
systems, an invertor is needed to change the electricity
from continuous current to alternate current (AC) to
power common household items like TVs, computers,
and appliances.

Advantages
 Operations and maintenance costs are minimal – the sun is free!
 Long life span, between 10-30 years (depending on the model)
 Can provide power to remote areas off-grid, or connected to on-grid systems
 Can increase the size/ energy provided by PV systems since they are modular
 System management is easy and most parts have indicator lights for problems
 Can be used in hybrid systems, such as the popular solar-powered water pump
Disadvantages
 Upfront costs are high – basic household systems are ~ $700 USD
 Technical know-how needed for installation and trouble-shooting
 Can’t control the sun & clouds
 Batteries must be replaced every 1-4 years

Solar Thermal Technologies

Many of these technologies work on the basic principle that sunlight is collected, and often concentrated
or reflected, onto dark surfaces, which is converted to heat energy for different purposes. The sun’s light
and energy, along with the properties of air and heat, can also be used to provide heating and other
services passively.

Solar Oven
In this oven, sunlight provides the fuel, thermal energy or heat,
which is retained for cooking. Most solar ovens use reflectors to
focus sunlight on a dark pot, which has a tight-fitting lid to
contain heat and moisture. A dark pot is used because it absorbs
the maximum amount of heat and allows higher cooking
temperatures. A clear, heat-resistant plastic or glass “heat trap” is
used to allow sunlight to enter but prohibit the heat from escaping
the oven. Examples include a clear plastic bag, a large inverted
glass bowl, or an insulated box with a glass or plastic window.
During the best months for cooking, many foods can be cooked
under intermittent clouds or a light haze, as long as food is put out
early and overall there is more sun than not.

Types of solar cookers

There are 3 main types of soar cookers used throughout the world
today

TYPE Explanation Photo

Box Cook at moderate to high temperatures and have the advantage of
accommodating multiple pots

Parabolic Cook fast at high temperatures so they require frequent adjustment

Panel The best of both worlds, they incorporate elements of box and
parabolic cookers

Advantages
 Generally inexpensive - can be very low cost, depending on materials used
 Reduces traditional fuel used for cooking, reducing pollution, & saving money
 Nutrients are better preserved because of the moderate cooking temperatures
 Eliminate the health dangers associated with cooking fires & smoke
 Solar oven businesses can provide extra income
 Food can be placed in a solar cooked and left to cook, unattended, for several hours due to the
moderate cooking temperatures
 Pots used for solar cooking are easy to clean & many solar cookers are portable
Disadvantages
 Cannot be used on a cloudy or hazy day (more clouds than sun)
 Takes a long time to cook certain foods
 May attract animals
 Cannot cook in large quantities

Solar Food Dryer

Various foods, especially meat, fruit, and herbs, are often dried to preserve them for later use in areas
without refrigeration. Placing the food in a dry place with sun is a traditional method, but using a solar
dryer can have many advantages. A solar dryer uses a continuous flow of warm air
around and over the food to remove moisture. They can vary in design, but have two
main components: a box to trap hot air connected to another with the food. In the
first box, air is trapped by a plastic covering and heated by the sun, which is
magnified by the black interior. The temperature of the air increases and, by natural
convection, exits into the box holding the food. The hot air then continues to rise
around the food and exists through the roof of the box. The partial vacuum created in
the box then draws in fresh air from outside via the opening at the base of the dryer.
In a few hours of good sunlight, food is dry and has been protected from the hazards
of being left outside for days.

Advantages
 Can be built very inexpensively ~ $30 USD & without technical know-how
 Food is protected from weather, insects, animals and dirt or sand
 Provides control over the drying process at elevated temperatures
 Faster than sun drying which greatly reduces the chances of spoiling
 Increases household food security
 Offers employment and income opportunities
 Little maintenance & low cost to replace materials

Disadvantages
 Food left too long & without sunlight can spoil before drying
 Sun drying is free
 Cannot dry in large quantities
Water Heating
Water can be heated for an entire household or for a simple shower. As the heat from the sun is collected
on a black surface, water is run through piping or held in a reservoir and absorbs the heat. After a few
hours, hot water is ready for use!

Advantages
 Can be very low cost - depend on the size & quality of the system
 Encourage good hygiene practices in cold places
 Reduces fuel used for heating water, reducing pollution & saving money
 Low maintenance & technological requirements

Disadvantages
 Higher quality household systems are also higher cost ~ $500
 May require frequent replacement of parts, such as hosing that can degrade easily in the sun
Solar Water Treatment
The ultraviolet rays of the sun can be used to purify
water! Just like UV light damages our skin cells, it kills
the bacteria and microbes hiding in water. The procedure
for SODIS purification is simple: fill clear bottles with
water so there are no bubbles and set in sun for 6-12
hours – no boiling or bleach needed! Placing the bottles
on a reflective or dark surface can speed the process.
Advantages
 Free! You can use old plastic or glass bottles that
would have been waste.
 No bleach or fuel needed to boil water, reducing
pollution & saving money

Disadvantages
 Takes longer to purify than boiling or other methods

Muros Trombes - Passive Solar Household Heating

Passive household heating is based on the principle
that hot air rises, while cold air sinks. Muros trombes
are clear walls built onto the exterior of a house that
capture sunlight and heat the air. As the air between
the muro trombe and the house heats up, it rises and
flows into the house through holes in the wall at the
top of the exterior wall. The pressure difference then
causes the cold air in the house to flow outside,
through holes in the bottom of the wall, into the muro
trombe to be heated up. At night, the holes must be
shut to avoid the opposite from happening. Muros
trombes can be built with minimal supplies – wood to
build the frame of the wall, plastic or glass, and PCV
piping for the holes. Often, the exterior wall is painted
black and black rocks are placed at the bottom of the wall to maximize heat absorption.

Advantages
 Usually inexpensive – Can be very low cost depending on materials
 In cold places, reduces danger of hypothermia-related deaths
 Heating without fire or electricity, reducing pollution, health risks & saving money
 Does not require technical know-how for installation or maintenance
 Little maintenance & low cost to replace parts
Disadvantages
 Creates cooling effect if holes are not closed when the air inside the muro trombe is colder than
interior
 Requires a south-facing wall – to maximize sunlight exposure
 Plastics often used can be damaged & degrade easily