1. How does solar energy work?
Solar energy works by converting the sunlight into electricity using different mechanisms like photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar thermal collectors. The PV cells directly convert sunlight into electricity, and the solar thermal collectors absorb sunlight and produce heat, which is then used to generate electricity.
2. What are photovoltaic cells?
Photovoltaic cells are made of semiconductor materials like silicon, which absorbs the photons from sunlight and converts them into electricity. When photons hit the silicon atoms, the electrons are knocked loose and start moving in the direction of the electric field in the cell, creating a flow of electricity. The PV cells are connected in series and parallel circuits, and the resulting electricity is then sent to an inverter to convert it into usable electricity.
3. How do solar thermal collectors work?
Solar thermal collectors are used to heat up fluids like water or air, which are then used to generate electricity. The collector collects sunlight and heats up the fluid, which is then sent to a heat exchanger to generate steam. The steam turns a turbine connected to a generator, which produces electricity. The heated fluids can also be stored in a thermal storage system and used later when there is no sunlight.
4. What are the advantages of using solar energy?
Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that does not produce harmful emissions or pollutants. It reduces dependency on fossil fuels and helps combat climate change. Solar panels can be installed almost anywhere, reducing the need for new infrastructures. Solar energy can save money in the long term by reducing electricity bills and providing a reliable source of power.
5. What are the limitations of using solar energy?
Solar energy is dependent on sunlight, meaning that it cannot be harnessed during periods of low light. The cost of installing solar panels can be high, although it has been decreasing over the years. The efficiency of PV cells decreases as temperature increases, and the cells require cleaning and maintenance. Solar thermal collectors are often bulky and can require more space than PV cells.
In summary, solar energy works by converting sunlight into usable electricity using PV cells or solar thermal collectors. PV cells directly convert sunlight while thermal collectors use sunlight to generate heat, which is then converted into electricity. Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that reduces dependency on fossil fuels but is limited by its dependence on sunlight, high costs, and maintenance requirements.
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