CE 241A: Sustainable

Solar
Built Environment
Instructor: Professor
Mukesh Sharma

By: Ramu Lal Meena

(180590)
Energy
Summary
● Firstly we introduce the topic of the presentation- the solar energy,
● Then we study the reason solar energy is important in today’s era.
Also we see the distribution of current energy sources by their usage.
● The building blocks of the solar power -- the solar voltaic cells and
their functioning is then introduced.
● We conclude the slides by discussing some practical applications of
this energy resource and studying the drawbacks of solar power.
What is Solar Energy?
● The literal meaning of solar energy is the energy derived from the
sun or the Sol.
● The way we use this energy can be divided into two broad sub
categories :
○ Thermal : the form which is available to us in raw form and all
for freel. It lights up our homes, help us dry our clothes and also
keep the earth’s temperature warm and sustainable.
○ Electric : The raw, thermal form can be put to use in form of the
electric energy and help us power our regular electric
equipments.
 But Why Solar Energy?
● World Energy Conservation predicted estimate about the rate of utilization
of energy resources so that the coal deposits will deplete within the next 200-
300 years and petroleum deposits will deplete in next few decades.
● The most advantage using solar energy is that this is distributed over a wide
geographical area ensuring that developing regions such as India has access
to electricity generation at a stable cost for the long term future.
● The huge consumption of fossil fuels has caused visible damage to the
environment in various form.
● As we can see in the map in the next slide the potential of solar energy is the
highest in the most underdeveloped nations.
State of Energy
Consumption
By types
 Learning Solar Panels and their Functioning

1) Sunlight hit the solar panel (photovoltaic/ PV) and absorbed by semi-conducting materials such as
silicone.

2) Electrons are knocked loose from their atoms, which allow them to flow through the material to
produce electricity. This process is called the photovoltaic (PV) effect.

3) An array of solar panels converts solar energy into DC (direct current) electricity.

4) The DC electricity enters an inverter.

5) The inverter turns DC electricity into 120-volt AC (alternating current)

6) The AC power enters the utility panel in the house.

7) The electricity (load) is then distributed to appliances or lights in the house. Contd.
 Learning Solar Panels and their Functioning

8) When more solar energy is generated it can be stored in a battery as DC electricity and will
continue to supply your home with electricity in the event of a power blackout or at nighttime.

9) When the battery is full the excess electricity can be exported back into the utility grid, if
your system is connected to it.

10) Utility supplied electricity can also be drawn form the grid when not enough solar energy is
produced

11) The flow of electricity in and out of the utility grid is measured by a utility meter, which
spins backwards (when you are producing more energy that you need) and forward (when you
require additional electricity from the utility company). The two are offset ensuring that you
only pay for the additional energy you use from the utility company. This system is referred to
as "net- metering".
The Practical
Applications
 Drawbacks of Solar Energy
• The initial cost is the main disadvantage of installing a solar energy system, largely because of the
high cost of the semi-conducting materials used in building one.

• The cost of solar energy is also high compared to non-renewable utility-supplied electricity.

• Solar panels require quite a large area for installation to achieve a good level of efficiency.

• The efficiency of the system also relies on the location of the sun, although this problem can be
overcome with the installation of certain components. The production of solar energy is influenced
by the presence of clouds or pollution in the air. Similarly, no solar energy will be produced during
nighttime although a battery backup system and/or net metering will solve this problem.

• As far as solar powered cars go - their slower speed might not appeal to everyone caught up in
today's rat race