The term solar means relating to or derived from the sun (Meriam W, 2006). Energy is the ability to do work. Therefore, solar energy is radiation from the sun capable of doing work. The energy from the sun is converted to electrical energy either indirectly or directly when generating electrical power.
Harnessing the Power of the Sun: An Introduction to Solar Electricity
Solar energy is renewable. A renewable source is one that self-replenishes once depleted. Other renewable energy sources include: wind, geo-thermal, nuclear and tidal power. The sun is a mixture of burning gases. The sun is mainly comprised of hydrogen (the most abundant gas on earth).
What is Solar Energy?
Compared to other renewable energy sources, solar energy is relatively cheaper to harness. It owes its cheap cost to Silicon. Silicon is used since it is a raw material that is easily available at a comparatively low price. Germanium can be used as a substitute. In fact, Germanium was the only material available to make semiconductors in the past (Malvino, 2015). However, Germanium has an electrical property that makes it hard to control (excessive reverse current). Silicone addressed the Germanium problem rendering it obsolete in the process.
Capturing the Sun’s Power with Solar Panels
Generating solar electric power implies converting solar radiation to electricity. This is achieved by using diodes. A diode is an electrical element that comprises of two semiconductors attached to each other. Packets of energy from the sun called photons, strike the surface of the diode, transferring their energy in the process. At the junction between the two semiconductors constituting the diode, the absorbed energy (if sufficient) generates electricity. It is important to note that only a given amount of solar radiation is necessary to generate electrical power. Too much solar radiation does not correspond to high electrical power. This explains why deserts are not covered with solar panels.
Stay tuned for the next article that covers constituents of solar electric power generation.
