BES 131

THERMODYNAMICS

SOLAR ENERGY

ALPEZ, RAVEN KYLE

ARCILLAS, ERRITZSA
BARILLA, NAHYAN FAYEEDRIS
IMBING, KENDRICK
NASING, GWYNETH ANN
PELAYO, AUBREY
YBAÑEZ, MICHAEL JAMES

BSIE-3A

ENGR. JOCELYN CASTILLO

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SOLAR ENERGY

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable source of power that is harnessed from the sun's rays. It is a
form of radiant energy that is produced by the nuclear fusion reactions occurring within the sun. Solar
energy can be converted into electricity or used directly for various applications. There are two primary
methods of utilizing solar energy:

1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic panels, are used to
capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. These panels contain solar cells made of
semiconductor materials, such as silicon, that generate an electric current when exposed to
sunlight. The generated electricity can be used to power homes, businesses, and other electrical
devices or fed back into the grid.
2. Solar Thermal Systems: Solar thermal systems use sunlight to heat a fluid, typically water or a
heat-transfer fluid, to produce steam or hot water. This thermal energy can be used for space
heating, water heating, and even for generating electricity through steam turbines in concentrated
solar power (CSP) plants.

Solar energy has several advantages, including being a clean and renewable energy source, reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It can be harnessed in various ways,
from small-scale rooftop installations to large solar farms in sunny regions. However, its availability is
dependent on weather conditions and daylight hours, which can be intermittent.

Efforts to improve solar technology and energy storage solutions are ongoing to make solar energy more
accessible and reliable, contributing to a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.

Process of Solar Energy

The process of harnessing solar energy involves several steps, from capturing sunlight to converting it
into a usable form of energy. Here's a basic overview of the process:

1. Capture Sunlight: The first step in the process is to capture sunlight. This is typically done using
solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, or solar thermal collectors, depending on
the specific application.

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 Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: PV panels contain semiconductor materials (usually silicon) that can
convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight strikes the
PV cells, it excites electrons, generating a flow of electricity.
Solar Thermal Collectors: In solar thermal systems, sunlight is captured to heat a fluid, such as
water or a heat-transfer fluid. This heated fluid can then be used for various purposes, including
generating electricity, space heating, or water heating.
2. Conversion and Storage (if applicable): Depending on the type of solar energy system, further
steps may be involved:
PV Systems: In PV systems, the electricity generated by the solar panels is in direct current (DC)
form. This DC electricity is typically converted into alternating current (AC) using an inverter to
make it compatible with the electrical grid or for use in homes and businesses. In some cases,
excess electricity can be stored in batteries for use during periods of low sunlight.
Solar Thermal Systems: Solar thermal systems may use the captured heat directly for space
heating or water heating. In concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, the heated fluid is used to
produce steam, which drives a turbine to generate electricity. Some CSP systems incorporate
thermal energy storage to provide electricity even when the sun is not shining.
3. Distribution and Use: The converted energy (electricity or thermal) is distributed and used for
various applications:
Electricity: Solar electricity can be used to power homes, businesses, and industries, or it can be
fed back into the grid to offset energy consumption. Net metering and feed-in tariff programs are
often used to incentivize solar energy production.
Thermal Energy: Solar thermal energy can be used directly for heating water in homes,
swimming pools, or industrial processes. It can also be used in combined heat and power (CHP)
systems to generate electricity and heat simultaneously.
4. Monitoring and Maintenance: Solar energy systems require monitoring and maintenance to
ensure optimal performance. This includes cleaning the solar panels, checking for any damage or
malfunctions, and maintaining other components like inverters or storage systems.
5. Environmental Benefits: One of the key benefits of solar energy is its environmental
sustainability. Solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels,
contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Overall, the process of solar energy involves harnessing the sun's energy, converting it into a usable form,
and using it to meet various energy needs, ranging from electricity generation to heating and cooling.

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The Discovery of Solar Energy

The discovery of solar energy dates back to ancient times when humans first observed and
harnessed the power of the sun for practical purposes. Here are some key milestones in the discovery and
development of solar energy:

 Passive Solar Use: Humans have been using passive solar energy for thousands of years. Ancient
civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, designed their buildings to capture and utilize the
sun's warmth for heating during the winter.
 Solar Ovens: In the 18th century, Swiss scientist Horace-Bénédict de Saussure built the first
known solar oven, which could reach high temperatures by concentrating sunlight. This marked
an early step in the development of solar thermal technologies.
 Photovoltaic Effect: The discovery of the photovoltaic effect is a crucial milestone in the history
of solar energy. In 1839, French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered that certain
materials produce an electric current when exposed to light. This laid the foundation for
photovoltaic (PV) solar cells.
 First Solar Cell: In 1888, American inventor Charles Fritts created the first true solar cell using
selenium coated with a thin layer of gold. While inefficient by today's standards, it was a
significant breakthrough.

Albert Einstein's Nobel Prize: In 1921, Albert Einstein received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work
on the photoelectric effect, which explained the phenomenon of how light can create an electric current.
This work further advanced our understanding of solar energy.

Bell Labs' Solar Cell: In 1954, researchers at Bell Labs, including Calvin Fuller, Gerald Pearson, and
Daryl Chapin, developed the first practical silicon solar cell. This marked a major leap forward in the
development of solar technology.

Space Applications: Solar panels were first used to power satellites and spacecraft in the late 1950s and
early 1960s. These early applications demonstrated the reliability and efficiency of solar cells in space.

Growth of Solar Industry: The oil crisis of the 1970s and increasing environmental concerns spurred
interest in solar energy. Advances in PV technology and government incentives led to the growth of the
solar industry.

Solar Energy Today: Today, solar energy is a rapidly growing renewable energy source. Solar panels are
widely used to generate electricity for homes, businesses, and utility-scale power plants. Advances in
solar technology continue to improve efficiency and affordability.

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The discovery and development of solar energy have come a long way, from ancient passive solar use to
cutting-edge photovoltaic systems powering homes and industries around the world. Solar energy plays a
vital role in the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

References (APA style)