Capturing Solar Energy to Create Electricity

Solar energy refers to energy from the sun. It represents a viable energy source for a planet that has been dependent on fossil fuels for some time. But, to get behind the large scale idea of solar energy, we must first understand the science behind how we harness the energy of the sun.

The sun is a star that gives light and heat to our planet. The solar radiation given off by the sun can be collected and turned into electrical energy to power anything that utilizes electricity. This means that homes, schools, businesses, and possibly automobiles can run on solar energy.

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Energy from the Sun

The main challenge with solar energy is how to collect it and convert it to a usable form of energy. Let’s start with how solar energy is collected. The sun gives off radiation as it warms the earth. All of that radiation does not reach the earth, however. Some of it is deflected back into space when it reaches our atmosphere.

Scientists and engineers attempt to harness the solar radiation that is absorbed by the earth. To do that, they use collectors which are more commonly known as solar panels. We’ve all seen them on top of homes and other buildings.

They look great, but what happens when the sun doesn’t shine? That is the reason for these solar panel collectors. They store energy until it is needed.

Have you ever used a solar calculator? They are nifty little machines that can work under most any light. The panel on the front stores light and converts it into electricity to power the calculator.

Solar Energy Collection

Large solar panels contain smaller cells that collect and store solar radiation. These solar cells are also referred to as photovoltaic cells. The material used to create the photovoltaic cells is semiconducting. When the solar energy hits the material, the radiation loosens electrons within the material. These loose electrons can flow freely creating electricity.

Solar panels are placed on the south facing side of a home or building to gather the solar rays. The panels are then tilted for maximum collection into solar cells. This process ensures that as much solar radiation as possible is collected and stored so electricity is still available even on a cloudy day.

The semiconducting materials are made up of a positive and negative layer separated by a barrier. To conduct electricity you need a positive and a negative pole. The solar cells store the energy until needed.

A solar panel contains ten to twenty of these solar photovoltaic cells together in one array. It takes several of these arrays to power a household. Even more are needed to run a power plant or large building.

Creating a Cheaper Electrical Source

Power plants have always used fossil fuels to generate power to create electricity. They are now utilizing solar energy instead of fossil fuels to create power for electricity. This means a cheaper source of electricity for all of us.

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There are three main ways that solar radiation is collected for use by power plants:

• Parabolic trough method
• Solar power tower method
• Solar dish collecting method

Parabolic Trough Method

This method gets its name from the shape of the collectors—just like a parabola. The curved shape of the solar panels allows for greater collection. The energy generated in turn heats the oil that boils the water that powers the turbines in the plant that produce electricity. With the parabolic trough method, a thin pipe in the center of the trough contains the oil.

Solar Power Tower Method

The solar tower method uses several mirrors aimed at a solar tower containing a receiver. The heat generated by these mirrors hits the tower and heats up molten salt crystals. The heated salt is used to heat the water that works the turbines and generates electricity.

Solar Dish Collecting Method

These solar dishes resemble satellite dishes. They contain mirrored surfaces. Similar to the solar tower method, the solar energy is aimed towards a receiver that super heats water or oil in an engine. Much like a car engine, the pistons create mechanical energy that is then converted to electricity.

The Future of Solar Energy

The major costs involved in solar energy revolve around collection devices. The solar panels are not cheap to produce or install. For maximum effect, the solar radiation needs to be enough to power a grid that includes homes and businesses. For now solar energy is a supplement to electricity produced using fossil fuels.