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Solar energy can be converted directly into other forms of energy, such as heat and electricity.
The major disadvantages of solar energy are:
- our inability to control or predict how much solar energy arrives on the earth's surface at any place and,
- our technology to date requires that a large surface is required for collection of useful amounts of solar energy.
The strength of the solar energy available at any point on the earth depends, on the day of the year, the time of day, and the latitude of the collection point. The amount of energy collected can be further changed depending on the orientation and shape of the object doing the collection. Insolation is a measurement of the amount of solar energy that reaches the surface of the Earth. The amount of insolation an area receives depends upon the Sun's angle, the amount of dust and water vapour in the air, and the amount of cloud cover. Less than half of the radiation energy we receive from the sun makes it to the ground. The rest is absorbed by the atmosphere or reflected back out into space.
The strength of solar radiation at the outer edge of the earth's atmosphere when the earth is taken to be at its average distance from the sun is called the solar constant, the mean value of which is 1.37 106 ergs per sec per cm2, or about 2 calories per min per cm2.
Solar energy is used for heating water for domestic use, space heating of buildings, drying agricultural products, and generating electrical energy.
One of the first examples of using solar energy was the used of a solar collector box to cook food during an expedition into Africa in the 1830's by British astronomer John Herschel. Today it is used widely for many things. Solar thermal or heat energy is used widely in Australia for heating water for our domestic use in Solar Water heaters. This is an excellent and economic energy solution as, by using the sun's heat for making our hot water, we cut down on the amount of fossil fuels needed to be burnt to supply electricity to do the same thing. The technology is now developing which will use solar thermal energy to produce steam at high enough temperatures and pressures to drive steam turbines for electricity generations.
We are also able to harness radiant or solar light energy. Radiant energy is produced in the sun as a result of nuclear fusion reactions and is transmitted to the earth through space by electromagnetic radiation in quanta or packets of energy called photons. This light energy can be utilised by a process called photovoltaics, which produces electricity directly (Photo meaning light and voltaics relating to electricity). This process is being used more and more as the technology is developed and becomes more economic. It is used widely in solar powered calculators and other such devices.
How many ways can you think of that the sun's energy is used directly today?
What else can I help you with?
Why did Charles fritts invent the solar cell?
Charles Fritts invented the solar cell as a way to convert sunlight directly into electricity. Fritts saw the potential for harnessing solar energy as a clean and sustainable source of power for various applications. His invention laid the foundation for modern solar technology.
What year solar power was invented?
The modern development of solar power can be traced back to the 19th century with the discovery of the photovoltaic effect in 1839 by Edmond Becquerel. However, practical applications of solar power for generating electricity began in the mid-20th century with the development of the first silicon solar cell in 1954 by Bell Labs.
The color black does this to solar energy?
The color black absorbs solar energy, which causes it to heat up. This absorption of solar energy can be harnessed for various applications, such as solar heating systems or solar panels to generate electricity.
When were the solar panels invented?
The research of solar panels began in 1839 with research undertaken by a French physicist Antoine-Caesar Becquerel. The first person to develop a solar cell was Charles Fritts in the year 1883. In 1941, Russel Ohl invented the first silicon solar cell.
Who made the first solar cell when was it made and what was it made from?
The first solar cell was made by Charles Fritts in 1883. He created junctions by putting a very thin coat of gold on selenium.
How much power is produced by one solar cell?
One solar cell typically produces around 1-2 watts of power, depending on factors such as the size, efficiency, and quality of the cell. Multiple solar cells are usually connected together to form a solar panel, which can then generate higher amounts of power suitable for practical applications.
What does solar cell has to do with solar energy?
A solar cell is a device that converts sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, making it a key component in harnessing solar energy. Multiple solar cells are typically combined to form a solar panel, which can then be used to generate renewable solar power for various applications like residential electricity, water heating, or off-grid systems.
Why did Charles fritts invent the solar cell?
Charles Fritts invented the solar cell as a way to convert sunlight directly into electricity. Fritts saw the potential for harnessing solar energy as a clean and sustainable source of power for various applications. His invention laid the foundation for modern solar technology.
What has the author Ejaz Ahmed written?
Ejaz Ahmed has written: 'Growth and characterisation of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films for solar cell applications'
What does the solar cell do in space?
The function of solar cell is to convert the energy from the sun into electricity. This is commonly referred to as a photovoltaic cell.
How do you make a solar cell on little alchemy?
metal + human = tool tool + sun = solar cell sun + solar cell = electricity
What is a solar cell?
A solar cell is an electronic device that converts sunlight into electricity. An array of them is called a solar panel.
What is the device that use semiconductors to produce electricity from solar energy?
The device that uses semiconductors to produce electricity from solar energy is called a solar cell, or photovoltaic (PV) cell. These cells convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, where semiconductor materials generate an electric current when exposed to light. Typically made from silicon, solar cells are the fundamental building blocks of solar panels used in various applications, from residential rooftops to large solar farms.
What difference between photocell and solar cell?
A photocell is operated under an external bias which is reverse bias. A solar cell works on the same principle of photo voltaic effect as the photo cell except that no external bias is applied and the junction area is kept much larger for solar radiation to be incident. a solar cell does not draw current but supplies the same to the load
Is a solar cell an energy source?
A solar cell is not an energy source, but an energy converter. In the case of solar, the energy source is light, and the solar cell converts it from light energy to electrical energy.
How much power can a solar cell produce?
That will vary a lot, depending on the size of the solar cell.
What is a solar cell phone charger?
A solar cell phone charger is a electrical device, that uses a solar panel to charge a phone battery.
