Published on EGEE 401: Energy in a Changing World (https://www.e-education.psu.edu/egee401)

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Solar

a large row of curved solar panels
Figure 7.4: SkyTrough (TM) Parabolic Trough Solar Concentrating Collector. DOE-supported collaboration between the solar industry and national laboratories resulted in a ground-breaking, low-cost system for utility-scale power generation: the SkyTrough (TM) Parabolic Trough Solar Concentrating Collector. The system overcomes the cost barriers of traditional solar concentrators by using a new weather-proof, low-cost, high-reflectance polymeric film instead of the traditional heavy, glass-based mirror. The system, developed by SkyFuel Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was honored with a 2009 R&D 100 award by R&D Magazine.
Credit: National Renewable Energy Laboratory [1]

Reading Assignment

Visit Department of Energy, Energy Explained [2].

  • Under “Renewable Sources", read "Solar" and all subpages.

The opening page of this section lists two main benefits of solar energy (does not produce air pollutants or carbon dioxide and when located on buidlings, minimal impact on environment). This list omits other "main" benefits of solar energy, including: the fuel is widely available, renewable and free. There is no basis for fighting or wars over solar. One country cannot take another's solar energy resources. (Same is true for wind resources.) Also, notice the EIA's "two main limitations" of solar. Did you see similar language in any other sections related to other energy sources in Energy Explained? Do other energy sources not also have "main limitations"? Consider this.

Photovoltaic Installations

The major components of photovoltaic solar electric systems are solar modules and inverters. Solar modules typically have a 20 or 25-yr warranty. Solar electric systems, installed properly, can be expected to last and continue to produce electricity for at least 25 years. Fixed-mounted systems (arrays that don’t move) generally require very little maintenance. Solar modules generate direct current (DC) that must be converted to alternating current (AC) for standard household use. This is done by an inverter. This piece of equipment has an expected life of 10-15 years and will probably need to be replaced during the life of the system.

About "Solar Energy"

The phrase “solar energy” is used broadly in reference to many different solar energy technologies and processes. The photovoltaic effect , for example, converts energy from the sun directly into electricity. Another form of "solar energy" concentrates the heat of the sun to produce steam to generate electricity (similar to the way other fuels are used for generation). The heat from the sun can also be used to heat water for use in your home (doesn’t involve electricity). Plus, the heat from the sun can be used to warm surfaces in a well-designed building (passive solar), providing comfort after the sun sets. All of these applications are “solar energy.” Some involve electricity, some do not.


Source URL: https://www.e-education.psu.edu/egee401/content/p7_p5.html

Links
[1] http://www.nrel.gov/data/pix/searchpix.php?getrec=16604&display_type=verbose&search_reverse=1
[2] http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/energyexplained/