Solar Energy What is Solar Energy?

Solar Energy What is Solar Energy?

Encyclopedia Britannica
Solar energy is the radiation from the Sun capable of
producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating
electricity. The total amount of solar energy received on Earth
is vastly more than the world's current and anticipated energy
requirements. If suitably harnessed, solar energy has the
potential to satisfy all future energy needs.

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)

Solar power is energy from the sun that is converted into
thermal or electrical energy. Solar energy is the cleanest and
most abundant renewable energy source available

Palmetto
Solar energy is the solar radiation emitted from the Sun, and
the Earth receives enough of that renewable energy on a daily
basis. Humans have devised several ways to capture solar
energy, the most common being the use of photovoltaic (PV)
solar panels that convert the sun's rays into usable electricity.
 Solar Energy Types of Solar Energy

Types of Solar Energy

Photovoltaic solar energy
This process involves the use of solar panels ,typically composed of semiconductor materials such as silicon , which
absorb photon from sunlight and release electrons ,creating an electric current . The solar panels are arranged in arrays
and installed in open areas with ample sunlight exposure.

Solar thermal energy

harnesses solar radiation through solar collectors ,converting it into heat for various applications. These collectors
capture and store solar energy , particularly for heating water destined for hygienic , residential or industrial purposes.
Concentrated solar power presents an alternative approach

Concentrated solar power

Concentrated solar power represents a solar thermal energy technology employing mirrors or lenses to concentrate
sunlight onto a receiver , inducing the heating of a fluid. This heated fluid is subsequently utilized to generate steam ,
propelling a turbine that produces electrical power. its ability to store the generated heat , enabling continuous operation
even in the absence of sunlight , during early morning or late evening hours
 Solar Energy Types of Solar Energy

Types of Solar Energy

Passive solar energy
harnesses the natural light and warmth from the sun to naturally heat a building or space, eschewing reliance on active
mechanical systems or technologies such as thermal active building systems(TABS) and solar collectors in solar thermal
energy (STE) systems

Building integrated photovoltaics

involves seamlessly incorporating photovoltaic panels into key building elements like roofs , walls or windows. This
innovative solar energy application transforms building components into electricity generating assets , significantly
diminishing reliance on conventional power sources . Beyond enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability , BIPV
contributes aesthetically to the architectural landscape , blending functionality with design appeal.
 Solar Energy How does it work?

How does it work?

Solar panels convert solar energy from sunlight into electrical energy for your home. The most common solar panels
are made from one of three semiconductors: monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or thin-film solar cells.

When sunlight hits the thin layer of semiconductive material, it triggers the release of electrons from silicon
atoms. The negatively charged electrons are then attracted to the positively charged side of the cell. This
“photovoltaic effect” forms as a result of the free-flowing electrons within the solar panel. The moving electrons
create an electric current which is then harnessed by the wiring connected to the solar panels to produce electricity.
 Solar Energy How does it work?

How does it work?

Simple calculation for the amount of power generated by a solar panel everyday:
With the rated wattage of a solar panel, anyone can determine how much electricity a solar panel will produce by
using this simple formula:
Power in watts x Average hours of direct sunlight = Daily Watt-hours.
For example, if a 300W solar panel receives six hours of sunlight each day, then the total power output is calculated
by multiplying 300W x 6 = 1800Wh or 1.8 Kw
With this basic approach, it is easy to calculate energy production by week, month and year.
 Solar Energy Factors

Factors affecting the Theoretically, solar cells are used to operate at

maximum efficiency. The main factors affecting

efficiency of solar cells

the efficiency of solar cells are:

Temperature Sun Intensity

Due to the intrinsic characteristic of the The sun’s intensity varies throughout the day. In the
semiconductor material, the efficiency of solar cells is afternoon, the sun intensity is maximum. During this
highly impacted by temperature. The solar cells time, the efficiency of solar cells is maximum. During
cannot operate efficiently at a higher temperature. evening and morning time, the sun intensity is not at
And the efficiency of solar cells is high with lower peak level. Hence, during this time, the efficiency is
temperatures. lower compared to around afternoon time.
 Solar Energy Factors

Factors affecting the Theoretically, solar cells are used to operate at

maximum efficiency. The main factors affecting

efficiency of solar cells

the efficiency of solar cells are:

Solar Shading Reflection

The efficiency of solar cells is highly dependent on The solar cell collects photon energy. But the
solar sheading. During a cloudy atmosphere, the efficiency of cells will decrease if the cells reflect light
solar cells are not capable to generate more energy. away from the surface. Untreated silicon surface
During the rainy season, the efficiency of solar cells reflects light up to 30% of incident light. To avoid this
decreases due to shading. situation, an anti-reflection coating is used on the
surface of the solar cells. Due to this coating, the solar
cells appear dark blue or black.
Solar Energy Layout and Components
Solar Energy Layout and Components
 Solar Energy Layout and Components

Layout and Main

Components of Solar Energy
Photovoltaic (PV) System Solar Panels (PV Array): These are the primary components that
convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.

Inverter: Converts DC electricity from the solar panels into

alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used by most household
appliances.

Mounting System: Structures that hold the solar panels in place,

either on rooftops or ground-mounted.

Charge Controller: Regulates the voltage and current coming from

the solar panels to the battery.

Battery Bank: Stores excess electricity generated by the solar panels

for use when sunlight is not available.

Block diagram of solar energy (Photovoltaic system) Utility Meter and Grid Connection: Measures the amount of
electricity generated and allows for the transfer of excess electricity
back to the grid.
 Solar Energy Layout and Components

Layout and Main

Components of Solar Energy
Concentrated Solar Power(CSP)

Concentrated Solar Power(CSP) diagram

 Solar Energy Layout and Components

Layout and Main

Components of Solar Energy
Concentrated Solar Power(CSP) Mirrors/Heliostats: Reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a receiver.

Receiver: Absorbs the concentrated sunlight and converts it into

heat.

Heat Transfer Fluid: Transfers the heat from the receiver to the
power block.

Power Block: Typically includes a steam turbine and generator that

convert the heat into electricity.

Thermal Energy Storage: Stores excess heat for use when sunlight is
not available, allowing for continuous power generation.

Cooling System: Removes excess heat from the power block to

Concentrated Solar Power(CSP) diagram maintain efficiency
 Solar Energy Layout and Components

Tarlac Solar Power Project (TSPP)

The largest PV project in the Philippines
with a capacity of 200 MW. This plant is Cadiz Solar Power Plant (CSPC)
part of AC Energy’s broader plan to roll out
5 GW of renewable energy capacity by One notable example of a solar energy
2025. plant in the Philippines is the Cadiz Solar
Power Plant (CSPC). Located in Negros
These projects highlight the Philippines’ Occidental, it was the largest solar power
commitment to expanding its renewable plant in Southeast Asia upon its
energy capacity and leveraging its completion in 2016. The plant spans 176
abundant sunlight for sustainable power hectares and comprises 425,000 solar
generation. panels.
 Solar Energy Layout and Components

Bhadla Solar Park (India)

India’s Bhadla Solar Park is the world’s largest

solar park as of the time of the dataset. It has
the capacity to generate 2,245 megawatts of
electricity alone, enough to power 1.3 million
homes. The country also has the third-largest
solar power plant, Pavagada Solar Park, and
five of the top 1
 Solar Energy Layout and Components

Huanghe Hydropower’s Hainan Solar Park

(China)
China is the world’s largest producer of solar
energy and had four of the 15 largest solar
plants in 2021. Huanghe Hydropower’s Hainan
Solar Park—listed in some sources as Golmud
Solar Park—is the world’s second largest solar
power plant with a 2,200 megawatt capacity,
while Tengger Desert Solar Park (also known as
the “Great Wall of Solar”) was formerly the
largest solar park in the world with a 1,547
megawatt capacity.
wind Energy What is Wind Energy?
 Wind Energy What is Wind Energy?

Climate Portal
Wind energy is a form of renewable energy, typically powered
by the movement of wind across enormous fan-shaped
structures called wind turbines. Once built, these turbines
create no climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions,
making this a “carbon-free” energy source that can provide
electricity without making climate change worse. Wind energy
is the third-largest source of carbon-free electricity in the
world (after hydropower and nuclear) and the second-
fastest-growing (after solar).

Department of Energy
Wind power or wind energy is a form of renewable energy that
harnesses the power of the wind to generate electricity. It
involves using wind turbines to convert the turning motion of
blades, pushed by moving air (kinetic energy) into electrical
energy (electricity). This requires certain technologies, such as
a generator that sits at the top of a tower, behind the blades,
in the head (nacelle) of a wind turbine.
 Wind Energy How does it work?

How does it work?

The majority of wind turbines consist of three blades mounted to a tower made from tubular steel. There are less
common varieties with two blades, or with concrete or steel lattice towers. At 100 feet or more above the ground, the
tower allows the turbine to take advantage of faster wind speeds found at higher altitudes.

Turbines catch the wind's energy with their propeller-like blades, which act much like an airplane wing. When the
wind blows, a pocket of low-pressure air forms on one side of the blade. The low-pressure air pocket then pulls the
blade toward it, causing the rotor to turn. This is called lift. The force of the lift is much stronger than the wind's force
against the front side of the blade, which is called drag. The combination of lift and drag causes the rotor to spin like
a propeller.

A series of gears increase the rotation of the rotor from about 18 revolutions a minute to roughly 1,800 revolutions per
minute -- a speed that allows the turbine’s generator to produce AC electricity.
 Wind Energy How does it work?

How does it work?

Formula for wind turbine’s output:

Best overall formula for the power derived from a wind turbine (in Watts) is P = 0.5 Cp ρ π R2 V3, where Cp is the
coefficient of performance (efficiency factor, in percent), ρ is air density (in kg/m3), R is the blade length (in meters)
and V is the wind speed (in meters per second).
Wind Energy Layout and Components
 Wind Energy Layout and Components

Layout and Main

Components of Wind Energy
Rotor

Blades: The blades are the components which interact with the wind
and are designed with such an airfoil to maximize the aerodynamic
efficiency. Figure shows the typical form of a blade and its
transversal sections; the blade winds up and the total angle between
the root and the tip is about 25°.Since the aerodynamic forces are
proportional to the square of the relative speed, they increase rapidly
with the distance from the hub; therefore it is important to design the
part of the blade near the root so that there is a good lift and a low
aerodynamic resistance.
 Wind Energy Layout and Components

Layout and Main

Components of Wind Energy
Hub

Hub: The hub of the wind turbine is the component that connects
the blades to the main shaft, transmitting to it the power extracted
from the wind; it includes pitching systems.

Hubs are generally made of steel or spheroidal graphite iron and is

protected externally by an oval enclosure called spinner. There are
three main types of hub:
rigid
teetering
hinged
 Wind Energy Layout and Components

Layout and Main

Components of Wind Energy
Gearbox

Gear Box: Most drivetrains include a one- or more-stage gearbox

between the rotor, which extracts kinetic energy from the wind and
converts it into mechanical rotation energy, and the electric
generator, which converts the available mechanical energy into
electrical energy.

The gearbox has the purpose of increasing the rotor speed to adapt
it to the values required by conventional generators (in some
turbines the ratio of the gearbox may exceed 1:100). The gearbox
consists of one or more gears of epicycloidal or parallel axis type.
Electric Generator
Asynchronous Generator

It is essentially an induction three-phase motor characterized by a synchronous speed which depends on the number of poles and
on the network frequency. If the mechanical torque acting on the rotor shaft is motive instead of resistant and makes the rotation
speed increase and exceed the synchronous speed, the asynchronous machine stops working as a motor and starts working as a
generator, thus putting electrical energy into the grid.
Synchronous Generator
In this type of generator, also called alternator, the rotor consists of a direct current electromagnet or of permanent magnets. The
frequency of the voltage induced on the stator (and consequently of the generated current) is directly proportional to the rotation
speed of the rotor.
Transformer
The electric power output from generators is usually in low voltage and shall be transformed into medium voltage through a
transformer to reduce transmission losses by connection to the MV distribution network.
 Yaw System
The nacelle is made to rotate on the top of the tower by an active yaw control system consisting of electrical actuators and

Tower
There are two main types of towers commonly used horizontal axis wind turbines (Figure 6):
free-standing lattice (truss)
tubular
The first wind turbines were on free-standing lattice towers, commonly used until the mid-1980s. Nowadays
wind turbines are mostly of tubular type since they offer a number of advantages in comparison with the truss
one. In particular, tubular towers do not require many bolted connections which need to be periodically
checked; they provide a protected area to access the turbine and climbing to the nacelle is made safer and
easier thanks to internal stairway or lift in case of larger turbines. Furthermore, they are aesthetically more
acceptable in comparison with truss towers.
Examples
Philippines

Burgos Wind Farm

The Burgos Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte is currently the largest wind farm in the Philippines, powering locals with 150MW of energy. In
October 2016, the Provincial Board of Ilocos Norte unanimously designated Ilocos Norte as a “clean, green, and coal-free province”.
Currently, Ilocos Norte's Burgos Wind Farm is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, providing approximately 370GWh of energy and
offsetting 200,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Caparispisan Wind Farm

The second largest, Caparispisan Wind Farm (also known as the North Luzon Renewables Wind Farm) is a wind farm in Pagudpud,
Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The wind farm was a joint venture of AC Energy Holdings, the Philippine Alliance for Infrastructure and the UPC
Philippines Wind Holdco. The wind farm project amounted to $220 million. The wind farm's groundbreaking took place on September
3, 2013. It was fully commissioned by the Energy Regulatory Commission on November 11, 2014, and was later inaugurated on
November 19 at the same year. The wind farm has 27 individual wind turbines occupying a 625-hectare land area.
World

The Gansu Wind Farm, also known as the Jiuquan Wind Power Base, is in the west of Gansu province in China, on the outskirts of the
Gobi Desert. With a planned capacity of 20GW, it’s the world’s largest wind farm. Once completed, the farm will be home to 7,000
turbines and will produce enough energy to power a small country.