Small scale energy sources and plants:Solar energy

A Photo-voltaic power plant. Image credit oorjasolar.com

• Solar energy is converted into electrical energy in two ways
• The first is through the use of solar panels
• These are also known as photo voltaic power plants for reasons that will be explained below
• A solar panel consists of a thick lens placed on photo voltaic cells all held together in an aluminium dish.
• Rays from the sun hit the glass lens.
• The solar energy through the cell is converted into electrical energy.
• This is used for lighting, cooking and powering radios, televisions and other domestic appliances.
• The panel is placed on a roof clear of shadows to trap maximum energy.
• Wiring is done as in other electricity distribution methods in a home.
• The amount of solar energy produced is dependent upon the amount of sunshine received, intensity of that sunshine and size of solar panels installed.

The Solar Furnace at Pyrénées-Orientales. Image credit MediaWiki

• The second used method is thermal solar technology
• In one instance polished mirrors are used
• The mirrors are arranged in a parabolic fashion to reflect the sun’s rays onto a focal point
• An example is the solar furnace at Pyrénées-Orientales in France
• Temperatures can reach as high as 3500°C at the center
• The heat is used to heat water which is turned into steam
• The steam is then used to drive turbines and generate electricity
• Small home plants are also installed on rooftops used to heat water for domestic use
• Besides these two there are other solar technologies out there

To access more topics go to the O Level Geography Notes page