Solar energy makes the life existence possible on earth. A life on earth would not be possible without the heat and light from the sun for human beings, plants and animals. Solar energy can easily be replenished without manual power. That is why it is termed as a renewable source of energy.
PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT & SOLAR PANELS
Technological innovations made the energy conversion from solar power to electrical power. This conversion of energy is termed as the photovoltaic effect. The absorbed light energy from the sun enables the generation of voltage or current upon the surface object where the light rays are being absorbed. In most of the technical applications, solar panels are employed to absorb these light rays.
Solar panels will have arrays of solar cells. These solar cells are made up of a semi-conducting material called silicon. This silicon material will have a coating with both phosphorous and boron to establish an electric field when the light rays get fallen on the cell. When the sun's light rays incident on these cells, photons in the light beam strike the electron and make it move and thereby creating a current flow. Thus electricity is generated from a solar panel. The energy generated will be DC. So based on the applications of these panels; batteries and inverters are used for the storage and energy conversion purpose.
SOLAR STREET LIGHTS
Street lighting can be achieved with solar panels to save energy and also to reduce the overall operational cost. The solar panels can be mounted on the lighting structure itself. DC employing lights and rechargeable batteries are required for the overall structure. DC energy generated from the panels can charge rechargeable batteries and power the LED or fluorescent lights.
The rechargeable batteries will store the energy generated from the panel during the day time and can power the lights during the night time. Programmable controllers are also used in some technical applications to control the switching and timing of the lighting.
FEATURES
Solar panels will have arrays of solar cells. These solar cells are made up of a semi-conducting material called silicon. This silicon material will have a coating with both phosphorous and boron to establish an electric field when the light rays get fallen on the cell. When the sun's light rays incident on these cells, photons in the light beam strike the electron and make it move and thereby creating a current flow. Thus electricity is generated from a solar panel. The energy generated will be DC. So based on the applications of these panels; batteries and inverters are used for the storage and energy conversion purpose.
SOLAR STREET LIGHTS
Street lighting can be achieved with solar panels to save energy and also to reduce the overall operational cost. The solar panels can be mounted on the lighting structure itself. DC employing lights and rechargeable batteries are required for the overall structure. DC energy generated from the panels can charge rechargeable batteries and power the LED or fluorescent lights.
The rechargeable batteries will store the energy generated from the panel during the day time and can power the lights during the night time. Programmable controllers are also used in some technical applications to control the switching and timing of the lighting.
FEATURES
- A great reduction in the operational cost is there since this sort of lighting is independent of the utility grid. When compared with conventional lighting, a good reduction in the maintenance cost is also there for this lighting.
- Energy saving is another highlight in employing this renewable energy source.
- The absence of power lines eliminates the risk of accidents from transmission systems.
- A longer period of operation ( say 2-3 days) can be achieved if batteries having longer lives are employed for getting energy from the solar panels.
DRAWBACKS
- The energy production depends upon the atmospheric condition. Rain or alike moisture content in the atmosphere may stop the energy production in the solar panel.
- The overall cost of the system due to the employment of panels and lights is more when compared with the conventional lighting system.
The conservation and the efficient use of energy are the key factors governing the environmental sustainability. We must be aware of the fact that energy wastage can lead to a darker environment in the future. Use energy wisely for having plenty of energy sources in the future.
