Essentials And Applications Of Solar Energy Technology

The origin and continuation of humankind is based on solar energy. The most basic processes supporting life on earth, such as photosynthesis and the rain cycle, are driven by solar energy. From the very beginning of its history humankind realized that a good use of solar energy is in humankind’s benefit. Solar power is widely acknowledged to be the fastest-growing energy industry in the world. As technological improvements steadily progress toward the erasure of cost and efficiency barriers, two issues are coming to the forefront of public discourse on solar energy—variability and reliability. These issues have made the field of solar forecasting and resource assessment pivotally important, and to date, there has been no comprehensive single text devoted to it. The major strength of the book is the clear and precise presentation of the subject matter in logical manner.

The book "Essentials and Applications of Solar Energy Technology" is an all-encompassing manual that goes into the basic concepts of solar energy technology as well as the practical applications of this technology. This book offers a comprehensive investigation into a variety of solar energy-related topics. It is written in a way that makes it accessible to both beginners and professionals in the field. An overview of the fundamental concepts of solar energy, including the physics of photovoltaic cells and solar thermal systems, is presented at the beginning of the book, which serves to provide a well-established basis. Solar panel design, efficiency optimization, and integration with other renewable energy sources are some of the topics that are covered in this book of the most recent advances and innovations in solar energy technology. The purpose of this book is to provide readers of all levels of familiarity with solar energy technology with a valuable resource. Irrespective of one's level of expertise and desire to explore sophisticated applications, this book contains pertinent and enlightening material suitable for both novices and experts alike. To demonstrate fundamental ideas and principles, the author places a strong focus throughout the book on practical insights and instances from the actual world. This book intends to contribute to the continuing efforts towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy landscape by providing readers with the information and skills necessary to harness the power of the sun using solar energy.

Discover the latest techniques and applications for solar energy concentrators in this essential guide for academics, researchers, environmentalists, and professionals seeking to harness the power of solar energy while reducing environmental impact and costs. This book is centered on contemporary fundamental techniques for collecting solar radiation and the prospective applications that show how solar energy concentrators (SEC) can be used in a variety of systems and may provide significant economic and environmental benefits. Around the globe, there is a tremendous drive to investigate the viability of utilizing solar energy, particularly in regions with temperate zones. The usage of solar energy in many sectors has grown over the years. The ongoing quest for an alternate energy source in response to the apparent depletion of fossil resources is the driving factor behind this transition. Fossil fuels are far more widely used now than ever before despite their rising price. Although all forms of renewable energy are accessible, solar radiation is the most prevalent and easily accessible. Using solar energy for higher processing temperatures is difficult despite being the most common clean and affordable renewable energy source on the planet. For this, solar energy concentrators (SEC) are a promising technology that could be used to harness both heat and electricity for diversified industrial operations. SECs are devices that harvest solar radiation and direct it to a single point of concentration. This book presents the most up-to-date fundamental strategies for the collection of the sun’s radiation. Moreover, SEC technical summaries are also evaluated concerning ongoing international assignments. Prominent applications are also featured to show the reader the scope of the SEC’s applicability. The potential implementations demonstrate that CSE can be employed in a wide range of systems and may offer considerable economic and environmental advantages.

This book sets forth the fundamentals of solar energy, its applications and basic heat transfer. Design, construction, and performance of solar thermal devices and photovoltaic systems are discussed at length, along with the economic aspects of solar systems. The text is complemented by more than 300 figures, 180 solved examples, and numerous problems with hints to their solution. (Midwest).

This thoroughly revised text, now in its third edition, continues to provide a detailed discussion on all the aspects of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies from physics of solar cells to manufacturing technologies, solar PV system design and their applications. The Third Edition includes a new chapter on “Advances in c-Si Cell Processes Suitable for Near Future Commercialization” (Chapter 8) to introduce the technological advancement in the commercial production to keep the readers up to date. Organized in three parts, Part I introduces the fundamental principles of solar cell operation and design, Part II explains various technologies to fabricate solar cells and PV modules and Part III focuses on the use of solar photovoltaics as part of the system for providing electrical energy. In addition to this, numerous chapter-end exercises are given to reinforce the understanding of the subject. The text is intended for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of engineering for their courses on solar photovoltaic technologies and renewable energy technologies. The book is of immense use for teachers, researchers and professionals working in the photovoltaic field. In a nutshell, this book is an absolute must-read for all those who want to understand and apply the basics behind photovoltaic devices and systems.

The handbook, for convenient use, is divided into eight main units: (1) The Solar Resource; (2) Solar Thermal Collectors; (3) Photovoltaics; (4) Bioconversion; (5) Wind Energy; (6) Solar Energy Storage Systems; (7) Applications of Solar Energy; (8) Non-technical Issues. In addition there are three Appendixes containing unit-conversion tables and useful solar data. It became obvious early in this project that if proper coverage were to be given each of these areas it would be necessary to divide the handbook into two volumes. The first six units constitute Part A, Engineering Fundamentals and the last two units constitute Part B, Applications, Systems Design, and Economics. These volumes have been prepared primarily as reference books, but it is felt that many of the sections will prove useful for practicing engineers, scientists and students.

In the introductory and concluding chapters this book strive to satisfy the needs of the interested lay reader by addressing the potential, advantages, and costs of solar power plants. For the interested student, scientist, or technically oriented lay person the physical principles of insolation, its variability, concentration, and most efficient use are developed in some detail. Finally, experimental and theoretical developments in the recently created field of solar driven chemistry (via thermal, quantum, or electrical excitation) are described. The contributions in this book are written by leading solar scientists and engineering experts whose extensive background and experience in solar energy lend authenticity and completeness to the book. Design aspects of, and results from large experimental and demonstration plants are described by individuals who were directly involved in the design and testing of many of these plants. Consideration of the viability and future economics of large-scale solar power generation provides an outlook on the energy contributions which can be expected from an optional future supply of abundant and renewable energy, having little impact on the environment. This provides the rationale for the continued commitment to the development of solar power technologies by researchers, engineers, and industry. The eventual depletion of, or future political attacks on our energy supply will have less serious impact once this renewable option is in place.

As solar energy becomes increasingly more important in all of ourlives, it is more important to learn how it works and how it can beimplemented. This book is the perfect primer for theengineer, scientist, and layperson alike, for learning about thepractical applications of solar energy technology and how it isbeing used today to heat homes, light city streets, and providepower worldwide.