Technology and uses of solar energy

Classification of technologies and their overall use
• Passive Solar Energy: Takes the heat of the sun without the need for mechanisms or mechanical systems.
• Thermal Solar energy: Produces low-temperature hot water for sanitary and heating uses.
• Photovoltaic Solar Energy: Produces electricity through semiconductors plates altered by solar radiation.
• Thermoelectric Solar Energy: Produces electricity through a thermodynamic cycle by heating a conventional fluid to high temperatures (thermal oil)
• Hybrid Solar Energy: Combines solar power with other energies. Depending of the other energies it combines with is a hybrid:
- renewable: biomass, eólica1 energy…
or Fossil.
• Solar Wind Energy: Powered by air warmed by the sun, climbs up a chimney to awaiting generators.

The installation of solar energy centrals in all over the planet could provide more energy than the energy currently consumed in the world (assuming an energy conversion efficiency of 8%), including the one coming from heat, electricity, fossil fuels, and so on.

Other uses of solar energy and examples of their practical applications:

• Solar Green house
• Solar thermal power, such as the one in operation since 2007 in Sevilla,Spain, an 11 MWh power station which will deliver a total of 24 GWh per year.
• Drinkable Water.
• Solar Cooking
• Distillation
• Evaporation
• Photosynthesis
• Drying
• Sustainable Architecture
• Solar Shells

Absorption cooling

Absorption refrigeration system is a means of producing cold, as in the cooling system by compression takes advantage that certain substances absorb heat when changing from liquid to gas. As in the compression cycle which is done by a compressor, for the absorption, the cycle is based on the physical ability of some substances, such as lithium bromide, to absorb another substance, such as water vapor. Another possibility is to use a water-absorbent substance (solvent) and absorbed (solute) ammonia.
More specifically, in the lithium bromide-water cycle, water (coolant) in a low pressure circuit, evaporates in a heat exchanger called the evaporator, which cools a secondary fluid, which ventilates environments or cameras. Then the steam is absorbed by the lithium bromide (absorbent) in the absorber, producing a concentrated solution. This solution passes through the heater, where solute and solvent are separated by heat from an external source, the water then returns to the evaporator, and the bromide to the absorber to restart the cycle. As with the compression systems, the system requires a cooling tower to dissipate excess heat.

Solar heater

A solar heater is a device that uses heat from the sun to heat a substance such as water, oil, brine, glycol or air. Its most common use is to heat water for use in swimming pools or health services (showers, washing clothes or dishes etc..) Both in domestic and hotels. The system is simple and robust, can have a lifespan of up to 20 years without maintenance. It is recommended cleaning the collector every 4 to 6 months to increase their efficiency and lifespan.

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The Sun on the Earth.
Space solar power (U.S. Space-based solar power, SSP), a term closely related to solar power satellites is the conversion of gained solar energy in space in any other type of energy (mainly electricity), which can be used in the space or can be transmitted to Earth. Since the mid-twentieth century photovoltaic panels have been used in space aboard space satellites to generate from the sunlight the electricity needed for its operation. The novelty of the concept of SSP is the idea of acquiring power on a large scale in space and transmitting it to Earth for consumption on the surface of the planet.

Solar energy is a renewable energy and inexhaustible source and therefore has the potential to resolve the socio-economic and environmental problems associated with dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Space solar power presents pros and cons compared to other energy sources, especially regarding its earthling alternative. The use of panels in space is much better than the panels on land, since the former are not affected by the attenuation of solar radiation on the Earth’s atmosphere or by night phases, nevertheless the solar energy must be transmitted over long distances resulting on energy losses. Furthermore, the space solar power would have the advantage of being located outside the earth ecological system, creating virtually no waste once it is in operation.
The biggest obstacles to develop SSP systems is the high cost of placing the panels in orbit and some technical barriers, especially the low efficiency of photovoltaic cells when working at high temperatures and the difficulty of transferring solar energy to the surface of the Earth. Since the late nineteenth century when the theoretical foundations of photovoltaic technology were laid, the development of all involved technologies has been remarkable. At present, teams of researchers in Europe, U.S. and Japan are working to make this technology possible someday.

For the SSP several possible applications have been proposed as well as various technological options, such as the type of satellite or frequency of energy to Earth. Likewise, questions such as possible environmental effects from the solar energy transmission to Earth, the life expectancy of the panels in space, the return of the investment on time and the role the moon could play still do not have a clear answer.

The main beneficiaries of such technology feat would be that many communities could use the space solar power for their energy networks. Terrestrial solar power stations already exist throughout the world. But sunlight is eight times less intense on the earth’s surface than its geostationary orbit. So why not to pick it up in space and direct its energy to Earth via microwave energy rays that can penetrate the atmosphere more efficiently?, U.S. researchers are asking.

These researchers have proposed mega satellites – possibly giant inflatable structures of photovoltaic dishes and antennas – that would do just that. At the receiving stations on Earth, the beam could be converted into electricity or synthetic fuels, which, in contrast with the energy of terrestrial solar power stations, would flow continuously to the network regardless of the season, climate or location.

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Alternatives to Full-Scale Solar Panels

There are a lot of reasons why a full-sized residential solar power system may not be right for you. Maybe your homeowner’s association won’t allow full panels on your roof. Maybe you don’t want to take on debt for a solar power loan. Maybe you have an older home that your local historical society won’t allow to have solar panels. Even though you can’t get the full solar system, there are many other ways to use solar power and significantly decrease your energy costs.

If you live in a home with significant heating costs, then you should consider a solar-powered heating unit. These units are placed in the wall of your home with an outside solar panel that collects sunlight. The units then convert the solar power to run the heating unit, which pumps out cold air and allows warm air inside the room. These units can heat up to 750 square feet each. If you installed one in each of your rooms with peak sunlight during the day, you could feasibly heat a 2500 square foot home or less. A good place to buy these versatile wall solar units is from GroSolar, who can also install these units quickly and inexpensively. Or, if you’re handy with tools, you can install these systems yourself.

Everyone uses hot water, whether you’re taking a shower or washing dishes. Solar water heaters are the biggest selling solar item after full-scale solar panels. It’s estimated that over 1.2 million homes have solar-heated water tanks, and most states will give you a rebate or a significant tax credit after you’ve purchased one. When you purchase a solar hot water heating system, you will need to purchase solar panels as well but not as many panels as a full-scale home solar system. Better yet, solar hot water heaters integrate into your existing hot water heater to ensure you never run out of hot water-even on cloudy days.

New systems have come into the market in the past several years that will revolutionize the way America cools and heats their homes. SolCool has created a solar-powered HVAC system that’s strong enough to run most home applications. Plus, SolCool’s HVAC system has a built in charge distributor (which helps keep the battery longer) and can be used directly with solar power systems, or on-grid for net-metering.

If you’re not keen on installing an entirely new HVAC system, you can also purchase small solar-powered air conditioning units for those hot summer days. The best rated unit is from Greencore, and their best system can cool a 600 square foot room. These systems can be connected to the electrical grid, or they can run directly off an existing set of solar panels.

As solar systems grow and advance, there are some easy products most people can buy until they can afford a full solar power system. You can lower your electric bills over 50% using solar-powered appliances such as these!

Want to Start Making Solar Power at Home? Check out these instructions for building your own solar power. Includes videos, ebook, diagrams, and all the plans you need to get off the power grid and start saving some green while going green.