Introduction
It is one of the cleanest and most plentiful mediums of energy. Solar energy is not only used in houses but also for businesses. This article will cover all areas of solar energy and to what extent it is used worldwide.
It is a very eco-friendly and affordable form of energy for people. It comes with many creative and innovative purposes, such as it is very helpful in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, being a great source of electricity for remote communities, and even reducing transportation fuel costs. Over time, it is evolving and getting transformed according to our needs. We will explore how solar energy operates in many regions and sectors.
Floating solar farms
Have you ever heard of floating solar farms? If not, I will tell you what it is, its benefits. You might have seen solar plates on roofs or open ground but have you seen solar plates floating on the water’s surface? Yes, floating solar farms are a system that floats over a water body; it can be a lake, ocean, or any other water body. Like a solar panel, it is well connected to the water. After getting an understanding of floating solar farms, we will now move forward to their advantages.
i. Advantages Of Floating Solar Farms
Preservation of land and water reserves:
Floating solar farms use extra water unsuitable for human life or cleaning purposes etc. Such water bodies do not have clean water that can be used for other purposes, so these floating farms use unused water around mining areas or coastal waters.
Efficiency:
Because of their cooling effect, the floating solar farm’s performance and lifespan increase.
Reduce gas emissions and air pollution:
These solar farms reduce greenhouse gas emissions, even reducing air pollution that fossil fuel power plants create.
ii. Examples of floating solar farms around the world
- The world’s largest floating solar array in China is called The Sungrow Huinan Solar Farm with 40 MW capacity. It gives power to around 15,000 houses.
- The world’s first sea-floating solar is found in the Maldives. It supplies cheap solar power to the coastal tropics. It is called The Swimsol SolarSea.
- The world’s first high-altitude floating solar is found in Switzerland. It produces 50% more power than low-altitude plants and is named The Romande Energie Solar Farm.
Solar-powered communities
In developing countries, solar power is a durable, safe, and clean source of energy that helps off-grid communities. It is a great source of access to education, health, and income opportunities. It also reduces dependence on fossil fuels, which create air pollution and are quite expensive.
i. Examples of solar-powered communities around the world
- In India, a village called Dharnai is fully dependent on solar energy. Around 2400 people and 450 households have access to this solar energy 24/7.
- In the Northwest Territories, Colville Lake, basically in Canada, has planted a hybrid solar-diesel system by replacing diesel generators. This community has around 400-kilowatt battery storage systems that fulfill 70% of the electricity needs.
- World’s first country, Tokelau, which is situated in the Pacific Ocean, completely depends on solar energy. With the help of the New Zealand government, it was completed in 2012.
Solar-powered transportation
Solar-powered transportation helps in reducing greenhouse gasses that are emitted by several transportation. It helps vehicles to be fully dependent on sunlight, and it is also helpful in enhancing the performance of electric vehicles.
i. Examples of solar-powered transportation Worldwide Projects
- The world’s first solar car in the Netherlands is the lightyear one car. Its roof is embedded with solar panels and it can drive up to 70km daily without charging.
- World’s first solar train is called the Byron Bay. Its rooftop is filled with solar panels and has a capacity of up to 100 passengers per trip.
- In Morocco, The Noor Ouarzazate is the world’s largest solar plant. It can power one million homes. Moroccan National Railways also derives its energy from this solar panel, and it is one of the high-speed trains.
Solar-powered innovations
Solar power energy is not limited; it helps in several purposes, such as cooling, cooking, lighting, and much more. Solar panel devices are not only affordable, simple but eco-friendly as well.
i. Examples of solar-powered innovations that showcase the potential of solar energy
- Solar ovens: as the name implies, solar ovens help cook food without electricity. Various dishes can be cooked in this oven, and its temperature rises to 200°C. These ovens are perfect for picnics and camping purposes.
- Solar Paint: in solar Paint, small particles of synthetic molybdenum-sulfide and titanium dioxide play the role of catalysts. When it is reached by light, it divides water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This Paint also can produce electricity from sunlight.
- Solar tents can provide lighting, cooling, heating, and charging devices. These tents are ideal if you are planning for hiking or camping. They are comfortable and safe.
FAQs
What is solar energy introduction?
Solar power is an energy that is received from the heat and light of the Sun, and this energy is named solar energy. Now, there are several methods introduced for the utilization of solar energy. It is the cleanest form of energy, free from greenhouse gases. It can be obtained or sourced through photovoltaic cells or solar thermal systems. It is an inexpensive and competitive form of energy that can also be used for houses and business setups. It is used for many purposes, such as it generates electricity, supplying light, does not emit any greenhouse gas, and heating water for various purposes, whether it is domestic, commercial, or industrial needs.
What is the main role of solar energy?
The essential part that it plays in our lives is that it is the cleanest and cheapest energy source. And let’s talk about its installation process. These Solar panels are set where they receive a good amount of sunlight, which is later converted into electricity. The most exciting thing about it is that it comes with no time limitation; it can also be used during the day and night because it stores energy used later. This solar energy not only operates on a small scale but on a large scale as well.
How is solar energy produced?
When it comes to producing solar energy, we need to know that there are two main procedures: the first is nuclear fusion, which is executed in the Sun, and the other is the photovoltaic transformation, which takes place in solar panels. Protons of hydrogen atoms fuse and strike to produce helium atoms, which release energy, and this process is called nuclear fusion. When solar cells captivate sunlight, which results in creating light with the help of the photovoltaic effect, this is called the photovoltaic effect.
Who invented solar panels?
Solar panels are not an invention of one or two people. Instead, they are the brainchild of many scientists. So, there are many hands in this invention. In 1839, a French scientist, Edmond Becquerel, discovered the photovoltaic effect; due to this, many people believe that he is the pioneer of solar cells. But there is also a group of people who credit the invention of solar cells to an American inventor, Charles Fritts. He was the first scientist who made solar cells from selenium wafers. But if we talk about the modern solar panel, its credits go to Bell Laboratories.
Final Analysis
Solar energy is a great source of renewable energy, which is clean and cheap. Moreover, it has helped reduce fossil fuel dependence and the emission of greenhouse gasses. Now, it plays a major part in entertainment, business transportation, and home electricity. Solar energy is used in many forms, such as floating solar farms and solar-powered backpacks. Still, much research is being conducted to make it more refined and accessible.
