Alternative Solar Energy - Solar Energy Collection Devices, Panels & Generators

Solar energy is a clean and safe alternative to traditional methods of producing electricity. Solar energy collection systems are used in buildings or in large fields and transform them from energy consumers to energy generators. These systems capture the sunlight and use it to heat a fluid to high temperatures.

This hot liquid produces steam that drives the energy conversion system and thus produces electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) cells are another means to produce electricity from solar energy. In this, silicon is used to convert the solar energy falling on it to electricity. Photovoltaic cells are used on rooftops in residences. They are also used in large fields that are connected to utility grids.

Solar energy is collected by photovoltaic or thermal process and integrated with energy storage systems. It is converted to electric energy in order to predefined load. Studying these processes can lead us to optimum understanding of designing systems such that they can produce the maximum electric energy from these sources. Good designs can lead to the most suitable options for collecting and storing energy. Combining both thermal and photovoltaic subsystems can lead to a design, which capitalizes on the strengths of each, while benefiting from the common system design aspects.

There are different kinds of collectors for capturing the sun's energy, like photovoltaic collectors, flat plate, central receiver and parabolic dish. These solar collectors capture and convert a large part of the solar energy. In solar thermal systems, this energy is converted into thermal energy and then, if needed, it is converted into electricity. In photovoltaic systems the captured solar radiation is converted directly into low voltage electricity. The tradeoff between performance and expense of the parts has led to a vast array of collector designs.

To maximize the solar energy that can be captured, solar collectors should face south or southwest and tilt 34° from the horizontal. Wall-mounted PV collectors benefit most from panels being on east and west walls, especially in summer months. East-west plans generate about 88 percent of the optimum energy. Square plans generate about 75 percent. This remains consistent through the year. South-facing walls contribute to electricity generated as well as the amount of area well exposed to sun. Tilting 20 degree from vertical leads to a 21 percent increase, tilting 30 degree leads to an increase by 46 percent. Solar collectors perform best when they are cleaned periodically. Using solar collectors in buildings is most beneficial when the detailing, site review and designing are carefully carried out.

Countries like United States, Germany, Switzerland and Japan have been lending their support solar energy production. They have provided government subsidies, given tax breaks to individuals and companies who intend to use solar energy for their electricity and heat purposes. With the advance in technology, more options in solar collection materials are becoming available, and many more private investors are seeing the value in investing in solar energy technology, and are willing to support its continuing growth.

Many big companies have clearly stated their interest in solar energy and have given it their stamp of approval. Google is one such company, which intends to put a solar energy plant of 1.6-megawatt on its corporate headquarters’ roof.