What is the future of solar energy?

In the 21st century, solar energy has already become part of everyday life. There are many examples from solar heated pools to the sun -powered houses that show the useful application of pure, safe and sustainable forces of the sun. With increasing concerns about the effects of fossil fuel combustion and the possibilities of exhausting non -renewable energy sources, the future of solar energy looks clear. Since 2013, this technology has not been without its problems, and so far, applications have been relatively relatively small, but a large part of the research is underway and a number of very promising developments have occurred.

using solar energy

The sun is a potentially huge source of renewable clean energy. Some estimate that sunlight can produce 10,000 times more strength that the country was used at the turn of the 21st century. However, the main technological challenges should be met when using this energy. There are a number of differences in technology available and in development that uses the solar lighto to ensure energy. Alternatively, it can be used to produce electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells arranged on solar panels. The third method is to concentrate sunlight on the target for generating heat, which can be used directly for industrial purposes or for providing electricity.

solar panels

These panels rely on a photoelectric effect where certain substances produce a small electric current when they are exposed to light. Photovoltaic cells are designed to use this effect, and solar panels consist of large fields of these devices located to get as much sunlight as possible. Together they can generate considerable amounts of electricity. Although since 2013 they have been relatively ineffective, they usually have very low running and maintenance costs and can be very effective in providing energy for homes. Much of the research is carried out in improving efficiency and designKCI cells made of cheaper materials.

Most solar panels consist of crystalline silicon PV cells, which are 18-24% effective in converting sunlight into electricity. However, many alternatives are subject to investigation. Thin film cells can be made of different materials. Although they are currently less efficient than standard PV cells, they are light, flexible and cheaper to produce. Multi -tight cells can achieve more than 43%. They are structured so that different parts of the cell are tuned to capture sunlight on specific wavelengths, rather than having a single receptor that lacks part of the energy available.

Another promising area is the solar cell of the sensitized dye (DSSC), sometimes called the Gratzel cell, after Michael Gratzel, who first developed it in the 90's. These use the dye to capture solar energy and produce the flow of electrons, which are complemented by a liquid electrolyte layer below. AlthoughOli is potentially cheap for production, they are only about 12% effective and there are problems with durability that can affect commercial use. For example, liquid can freeze in cold conditions or expand when it is warm and can escape. Scientists have developed a cell version in which the problematic liquid electrolyte is replaced by solid material and opens the path for cheap and durable solar panels.

In addition to the development of cheaper and more efficient photovoltaic cells, it consists in the construction of new buildings and retrofitting many older ones. Some experts predict that most, not all, new buildings will have solar panels installed on the roofs. Because they are also easy to mount, many older buildings can receive upgrades that they will have on Energiis. Experts and environmentalists hope that the green energy building will be supported by governments through generous tax incentives, liberation and grants for alternative energy consumption.

solar panels on the roof can in n nto provide all or most of the energy needs of the house. However, in cases where people live in multi -storey accommodation, the amount of roof space is very small compared to the number of houses. Although they are small, individual, applications can remove part of the stress from the power network, if the Sun is to provide the power needs of cities and industries, its future must lie at large solar energy production stations.

The biggest problem facing the use of solar energy using PV cells is the space needed to create power plants. The plant consists of thousands of solar panels, unlike those that are currently installed in alternative energy houses. For this reason, they require a consistent sunny area and a significant amount of space. Cujedna of the world's largest power plants applies to more than 10 square miles (16.9 km 2 ) and creates enough electricity to operate about 200,000 houses. Some experts indicateIt would require an area of ​​approximately 100 miles (160.9 km) to the side, probably somewhere in the desert climate of the American Southwest.

alternatives to solar panels

There are many other options for the extensive use of the Sun force. One example is the concentration of solar energy technology (CSP). Rather than direct electricity production, these concentrate sunlight for water heating and provide steam for turbine control that produces electricity as well as a conventional power plant. They can consist of parabolic mirrors that focus sunlight on a linear tube filled with liquid. Alternatively, the heat from the Sun can be focused on a parabolic mirror for heating the fluid that controls the Stirling Engine, which commission mechanical energy for electricity production.

Another proven system is the "Power Tower" in which a number of flat mirrors monitoring the sun lags the heat from the sun on the liquid container that is boundIt is for a steam for a generator. It operates a number of plants and produces 10-20 megawatts of electricity. Future plants can supply up to 200 megawatts.

Future

One encouraging trend in the future of solar energy is that many of the world's largest innovators decide to focus their talent and funds to improve alternative energy technology. Many schemes - financed by various governments around the world - focus on economic provision of solar energy and large scale. In many countries, citizens receive financial incentives to switch to "green" energy sources and install their own solar panels.

Although there are many encouraging signs since 2013 that governments have recognized the need for alternative energy sources and support of solar energy research is partly in the hands of the citizens of the world. What ordinary citizens decide to buy and support themselves will affect the trends of the future. By installing solar panels, DaroAnyone can have a word about the future of solar energy by increasing the research organizations involved in alternative energies, a university degree in a related subject and voting on measures supporting alternative energy development.