SOLAR

ENERGY Harsh Tiwari

E21226932800020
Diploma Electrical Engineering
WHAT IS SOLAR ENERGY?
Solar energy is a form of renewable energy derived from the sun's
radiation. It is harnessed and converted into various usable forms of
energy, primarily electricity and heat, using various technologies
and devices. Solar energy is considered clean and sustainable
because it is abundant and does not produce harmful greenhouse gas
emissions or pollutants when harnessed and used.
THERE ARE TWO PRIMARY WAYS
SOLAR ENERGY IS CONVERTED AND
UTILIZED:
 Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Energy: PV solar panels, also called solar
cells, convert sunlight into electricity using semiconductor materials
like silicon. Sunlight excites electrons in these materials, generating
an electric current. When multiple solar cells are connected in panels,
they can produce substantial electricity. PV systems are versatile,
finding applications on rooftops, in solar farms, and even in small
devices like calculators and streetlights.

 Solar Thermal Energy: Solar thermal systems capture solar heat to

create steam or hot water for various purposes, such as electricity
generation, space heating, and water heating. Two common types are
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), which uses mirrors or lenses to
concentrate sunlight onto a receiver to produce steam for electricity,
and flat-plate collectors, often used for residential and commercial
water heating. These systems utilize the sun's heat energy effectively.
SOLAR ENERGY OFFERS SEVERAL
ADVANTAGES:
INTRODUCTION TO RENEWABLE
ENERGY
Renewable energy refers to energy sources that are naturally
replenished and do not deplete over time. These sources are
sustainable and have a significantly lower environmental impact
compared to fossil fuels.
INTRODUCTION TO RENEWABLE
ENERGY
 Solar Energy: Derived from the sun's radiation, solar energy can be
harnessed through photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal
systems to produce electricity and heat.
 Wind Energy: Wind turbines capture the kinetic energy of moving
air to generate electricity. Wind farms are often set up in areas with
consistent wind patterns.
 Hydropower: Hydropower plants use the energy from flowing
water, typically in dams or rivers, to generate electricity. It is one of
the oldest and most widely used forms of renewable energy.
 Biomass Energy: Biomass energy is derived from organic materials
like wood, crop residues, and waste. It can be converted into heat,
electricity, or biofuels.
 Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy taps into the Earth's
internal heat by using geothermal power plants to produce
electricity and provide heating and cooling for buildings.
 Ocean Energy: This emerging technology harnesses the energy
from tides, waves, and temperature gradients in the ocean to
generate electricity.
IMPORTANCE OF TRANSITIONING TO
RENEWABLE ENERGY
 Environmental Benefits: Renewable energy sources produce
little to no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants, reducing the
negative impacts of climate change and air quality degradation.
 Energy Security: By diversifying energy sources, countries can
reduce their dependence on fossil fuel imports, enhancing energy
security.
 Sustainability: Renewable energy is inexhaustible and can be
harnessed indefinitely, ensuring a sustainable energy future for
generations to come.
 Economic Growth: The renewable energy sector creates jobs and
stimulates economic growth, promoting innovation and
technological advancement.
 Energy Access: In remote or underserved areas, renewable energy
can provide affordable and reliable electricity, improving living
standards and access to education and healthcare.
GLOBAL ENERGY MIX
PRINCIPLES OF CONVERTING SOLAR
ENERGY
Solar energy conversion is based on the principle of harnessing the
energy carried by photons, which are particles of light. Here's an
elaboration of the principles involved in converting solar energy
into electricity:
 Photon Absorption: When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, it
contains countless photons. Photovoltaic (PV) materials, like silicon
in solar cells, are specifically engineered to absorb photons.
 Electron Excitation: When a photon strikes a PV material, it
transfers its energy to an electron in the material. This energy
excites the electron, causing it to move to a higher energy state.
HOW SUNLIGHT IS CAPTURED AND
CONVERTED INTO ELECTRICITY
 Solar Panels: Solar panels, made up of numerous individual solar
cells, are exposed to sunlight. These panels are typically made of
silicon wafers that are treated to have specific electrical properties.
 Photon Absorption: When sunlight strikes the solar panel, photons
are absorbed by the semiconductor material. Each absorbed photon
excites an electron in the material, creating electron-hole pairs.
 Electron Flow: The electric field within the semiconductor material
separates the excited electrons from the holes, pushing the electrons
towards the front surface of the solar cell.
 Electrical Current: An external circuit connected to the solar panel
captures the flow of electrons as electrical current. This current can
be used to power electrical devices or stored in batteries for later
use.
 Generation of Electron-Hole Pairs: The excited electron leaves
behind a "hole" in the lower energy state, effectively creating an
electron-hole pair within the material. These electron-hole pairs are
the basis for generating electrical current.
 Electric Current Flow: The presence of electron-hole pairs creates
an electric potential (voltage) within the PV material. When an
external circuit is connected to the material, electrons are driven by
this potential to move through the circuit as electric current, creating
electricity.
PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT
FABRICATION OF SOLAR PANELS
Manufacturing Process:
 Raw Materials: The process begins with the procurement of raw
materials, primarily silicon wafers. These wafers are typically made
from high-purity crystalline silicon.
 Wafer Production: The silicon wafers are sliced from large silicon
ingots. Diamond wire saws or other cutting techniques are used to
achieve thin wafers with a specific thickness.
 Surface Treatment: The wafers undergo surface treatments to
create a silicon dioxide layer and a phosphorous diffusion layer.
These layers are crucial for capturing sunlight efficiently.
 Grid Formation: Metal conductive grids (usually made of silver)
are screen-printed onto the silicon surface. These grids collect the
electrical current generated by sunlight.
 Anti-Reflective Coating: An anti-reflective coating is applied to the
front surface of the solar cell to reduce the reflection of sunlight and
enhance photon absorption.
 Encapsulation: Solar cells are often encapsulated between two
layers of transparent, weather-resistant materials (usually glass or
plastic) to protect them from environmental factors like moisture
and physical damage.
DIFFERENT STAGES OF FABRICATION
GRAPHS COMPARING THE
EFFICIENCY OF VARIOUS SOLAR
PANEL TYPE
SOLAR CELL TECHNOLOGY
Solar cell technology encompasses various types of cells, each with
its own characteristics and applications. Here's a detailed explanation
of three common solar cell technologies, along with additional
elements to elaborate on this topic:
1. Monocrystalline Solar Cells:

 Explanation: Monocrystalline solar cells are made from a single

crystal structure, typically of high-purity silicon. This uniformity
results in higher efficiency and a sleek, black appearance.
Monocrystalline cells are known for their high efficiency in
converting sunlight into electricity.
 Schematics and Photos: Include labeled schematics and photos of
monocrystalline solar cells, highlighting their distinctive single-
crystal structure.
 Comparison Chart: Create a chart comparing monocrystalline solar
cells with other types in terms of efficiency, cost, and applications.
2. Polycrystalline Solar Cells:

 Explanation: Polycrystalline solar cells are made from multiple

small silicon crystals. They are cost-effective to produce but tend to
be slightly less efficient than monocrystalline cells. Polycrystalline
cells have a blue-ish appearance.
 Schematics and Photos: Provide schematics and photos of
polycrystalline solar cells, illustrating their multiple crystal
structures.
 Comparison Chart: Develop a comparison chart highlighting the
efficiency, cost, and use cases of polycrystalline cells compared to
other types.
3. Thin-Film Solar Cells:

 Explanation: Thin-film solar cells are made by depositing thin

layers of semiconductor materials (e.g., amorphous silicon,
cadmium telluride, or copper indium gallium selenide) onto a
substrate. They are flexible and versatile, suitable for various
applications.
 Schematics and Photos: Showcase schematics and photos of thin-
film solar cells, emphasizing their thin, flexible structure.
 Comparison Chart: Include a chart comparing the efficiency, cost,
and potential applications of thin-film solar cells compared to
crystalline silicon-based cells.
APPLICATIONS OF SOLAR ENERGY
Solar energy has a wide range of applications across residential,
commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors. Here's a concise
elaboration of each aspect:
 Residential Applications: Solar panels are commonly used on
residential rooftops to generate electricity for homes. Solar water
heaters and solar-powered outdoor lighting are also popular
residential applications.
 Commercial Applications: Commercial buildings often utilize
solar panels to generate electricity, reducing energy costs and
environmental impact. Solar-powered signage and streetlights are
also prevalent.
 Industrial Applications: Industries employ large-scale solar
installations to power manufacturing processes and reduce energy
expenses. Solar-powered water pumps and ventilation systems are
also common.
 Transportation Applications: Solar energy is integrated into
transportation through solar-powered vehicles, including electric
cars with solar panels on their roofs. Solar charging stations are
emerging infrastructure.
SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION IN
INDIA
 Solar Energy Potential and Growth: India's geographic location
and abundant sunlight make it a solar energy powerhouse.
Government initiatives and favorable policies have propelled India
into becoming one of the world's largest solar markets. Graphs
depicting the remarkable growth in India's solar capacity over the
years showcase its trajectory and significant milestones.
 Map Highlighting
Major Solar Projects:
A map of India
showcases key solar
projects, including
large-scale solar farms
and parks, offering
insight into their
location, capacity, and
significance. This
visual representation
highlights the
widespread adoption
of solar energy.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF
SOLAR ENERGY
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, solar energy stands as a beacon of hope in our pursuit
of a cleaner and sustainable future. Throughout this document,
we've explored its key facets: harnessing the sun's renewable power,
various solar panel technologies, diverse applications, India's
remarkable growth, and its undeniable environmental benefits. We
now face a crucial moment: to fully embrace solar energy and
advocate for its wider adoption. We must invest in innovation, push
for supportive policies, and educate ourselves about its potential.
Envision a world where solar power is ubiquitous, and let's work
together to turn that vision into our reality, illuminating a brighter,
greener future for all.
THANK
YOU