Solar Energy as a Valuable Method of Generating Electric Currents - Essay Example

SOLAR ENERGY By Name Course Instructor Institution City/State Date Solar Energy Introduction Solar energy is a valuable method of generating electric currents. Basically, it is a natural resource whose means is powered by the sun. It is environmentally friendly, and renewable all together, its transformation to electrical currents is economical. Conventionally, the sun has been offering energy for nearly all living creatures, by means of a photosynthesis process, wherein plants take in solar energy and change it into stockpiled energy for development as well as growth (Dreveskracht, 2011, p.29). Engineers as well as Scientists at the moment seek to make use of solar energy instantly by changing it into valuable electricity or heat. Basically, thermal and photovoltaic’s systems are the fundamental solar energy systems utilised presently. In theory, solar appear to be a perfect source of energy, given that it is obtained free of charge and practically inexhaustible. Banoni et al. (2012) posit that the solar energy getting to the surface of the earth annually offers over 10,000 times the total energy needed by the world annually. What’s more, making use of only 25% of the solar radiation that descends to the world' might meet all contemporary worldwide energy requirements contentedly. However, the technological obstacles to gleaning this energy are enormous based on gathering, allocation, and stockpiling. Basically, solar energy is part of renewable energy source being employed by civilization for various uses. Historically, passive solar technologies were employed by primeval peoples for cooling as well as warming environments and for heating water; in the new beginning, focus of solar energy was expansively reviewed and as a result, the foremost solar-powered mechanical engines were developed in 19th century (Banoni et al., 2012, p.3). The invention of photovoltaic effect as well as the formation of the primary photovoltaic cell in 1950s generated exclusively innovative viewpoints on the application of solar radiation for the electricity production. From that time, the development of solar-based technologies prevails at an exceptional tempo. These days, there subsist an exceptionally enormous array of solar technologies, and for that reason photovoltaics have been achieving an escalating market share in the past two decades. However, worldwide production of solar electricity is still diminutive contrary to the source of energy. Besides, the present solar technologies outlay as well as their alternating environment makes them barely viable on a market subjugated by low-priced fossil energies. From a technological as well as scientific point of view, the huge setback is searching novel resolutions for solar energy systems to get less capital that is more resourceful. A lot of research endeavours are trying to handle these setbacks. Inexpensive and/or high-productive photovoltaic machine ideas stage and encompass the possibility of turning out to be competitive for huge power supply. For this reason, intermittency has been handled with comprehensive research endeavours in devices for storing energy, like batteries with the aim of improving the functionality and competitiveness of solar technologies (Goldman & Tozun, 2010, p.29). The present high PV technologies capital cost in contrast to fossil fuels remains to be the main obstacle to wide-ranging solar energy deployment. Present’s solar energy’s electricity cost ranges between 0.35 - 0.60 dollars for solar photovoltaic while for solar thermal ranges between 0.085 - 0.135 all per kWh: this is higher as opposed to 0.040 dollars for natural gas and 0.045 - 0.055 dollars for wind energy. Basically, this enormous disparity of outlay of solar energy is because of disparities in the local power cost as well as to the evaluation of the Balance of System (BOS) outlay comparative to particular applications such as grid-connected or stand-alone systems. Banoni et al. (2012) affirm that the costs of manufacturing, the active material as well as the BOS modules are the key components ascertaining the overall PV technologies cost. Research from 1970s has been analysing novel procedures for generating inexpensive wafer silicon, as well as the utilisation of low-priced materials for applications of thin-film PV, like cadmium telluride, amorphous silicon, and lately organic materials. Essentially, the effectiveness of laboratory-based thin film cells has heightened progressively over the last two decades and such technologies are perceived to contain the ability of cutting solar energy cost to as low as $0.03/kWh (Kelly & Gibson, 2009, p.2098). Production scale is an additional key prerequisite for reducing the solar technologies cost given that large-scale manufacturing reduces production and active materials cost. Basically, this is illustrated by reduction of cost for silicon photovoltaic modules from 1980’s with manufacturing increasing from 10MW to over 1GW. Experts believe that in case the trend persists, the cost of $0.06/kWh can be attained after the accumulative production hits 100GW, which in response will increase utilisation of solar energy systems. A number of studies such Dreveskracht (2011) proposes that this cost can be attained completely by means of production scale, exclusive of the desire for any novel innovation. Still, more study and improvement will boost solar technologies competitiveness (Kelly & Gibson, 2009, p.2097). Moreover, technological novelties might reduce the BOS modules cost, and especially of power storage systems that symbolize a key part of the entire systems installation cost anywhere storage is needed. Fundamentally, such research attempts subsist in the thermal storage domain connected with solar thermal technologies, especially parabolic troughs as well as central receivers and on novel photovoltaic technologies with incorporated storage systems. In addition, stability of the cell as well as economical encapsulation procedures has to be enhanced to capitalize on the photovoltaic panels’ lifespan, with a perceptive effect on the cost of the system. Of late, solar energy has been marketed as a sustainable technology for energy supply due to its renewable as well as the capacity of its conversion systems to produce electricity that is free from greenhouse gas during their existence. Still, the energy need and the ecological effect of producing photovoltaic component can lessened further, albeit up to date study of the photovoltaic technologies’ carbon cycles and energy acknowledged that firm enhancements were made being made based on carbon and energy paybacks. Solar energy undoubtedly offer reliable and stable basis of solar power all through the year. However, as the natural resources are projected to decrease in the coming years, it is imperative for the entire universe to shift in the direction of renewable sources (Goldman & Tozun, 2010, p.31). The key advantage of solar energy is that it can be set out with no trouble by both business and home users as it needs simple installation as opposed to geothermal and wind power stations. Importantly, solar energy benefits both the environment as well as entity owners and does not pollute the environment. Evidently, solar energy cleans, non-pollutant, dependable and renewable basis of electrical energy. Unlike other source of energies such as oil, solar energy does not discharge harmful gases such as sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide. Unlike fuel, solar energy does not need transportation; therefore, shun the transportation setbacks. What’s more, solar cells are durable: Solar cells generate no noise in any way and have no mechanical parts; thus making them durable and need incredibly less repairs. Besides, solar energy offers economical resolutions to power setbacks in places lacking electricity. Besides that, solar energy provides a renewable energy source and will carry on generating power provided that the sun subsists. Even though solar energy cannot be generated nocturnally as well as during the cloudy days, it can still be employed repeatedly during daylight. Solar power sourcing from the sun is reliable and invariable source of power and can be utilised to provide power in locations that are remote (Banoni et al., 2012, p.8). Generally, solar cells do not need any repairs and run for years. Furthermore, extra solar panels can be amounted occasionally when desired. Even though, solar panels encompass primary outlay, it does not have repetitive costs and the primary cost paid on one occasion can be recovered in the long-term. Solar panels are simple to set up and do not need any power sources, cords or wires. Different from geothermal and wind power stations that need power sources, cords and wires to be joined with the machines for drilling, solar panels can be set up on the rooftops without them; thus saving space and allowing homes and business premises to produce their own power. Additionally, solar panels can be set up in distributed manner which signifies no extensive settings up are required. Conclusion In conclusion, technology-based on solar energy is growing persistently and periodically and as the source of non-renewable energy continues to decrease it is imperative for the entire globe to shift towards renewable energy source such as sun. However there are a number of things which is hindering solar energy from being utilised more expansively such high cost of production. These setbacks are certain to be trounced as technology continues to develop further and its application will grow as potential users start to comprehend the advantages provided by solar energy. Solar technologies deployment for large-scale production of solar power needs the participation of both economical and political players, but as well additional enhancements in the conversion effectiveness as well as diminution of production cost. References Banoni, V.A. et al., 2012. The place of solar power: an economic analysis of concentrated and distributed solar power. Chemistry Central Journal, 6(1), pp.1-11. Dreveskracht, R.D., 2011. Native Nation Economic Development via the Implementation of Solar Projects: How to Make It Work. The Business Review, Cambridge, 68(1), pp.27-112. Goldman, S. & Tozun, N., 2010. Solar lanterns lighting up the world. Appropriate Technology, 37(3), pp.29-31. Kelly, N.A. & Gibson, T.L., 2009. Improved photovoltaic energy output for cloudy conditions with a solar tracking system. Solar Energy, 83(11), pp.2092–102. Read More