Nowadays, solar power is considered one of the most commonly used power sources with the role of not only ensuring a sustainable energy supply but also positively affecting the development of the environment and the economy in the context of fossil energy sources that are causing the world to be devastated and gradually exhausted. So what is solar power, let's find out together. GREEN IN Find out more about this issue through the article below!
1. What is solar power?
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar power is electricity generated from the conversion of sunlight through photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar thermal technology. The purpose of inventing this electricity is to help reduce environmental pollution. Therefore, solar power is considered a sustainable energy source, much safer than other traditional energy sources produced from coal and petroleum.
2. Types of solar power commonly used today
2.1. Solar battery
Solar cells are also known as photovoltaic cells (PV). This is a specialized device that converts sunlight into electricity, a clean energy source commonly known as solar power. The operating mechanism of solar cells is based on the photovoltaic effect - an important physical phenomenon.
Solar cells were first invented in the 1880s. By 1954, American researchers Gerald Pearson, Calvin Fuller, and Daryl Chapin had created photovoltaic cells from silicon, ushering in a new era for the solar energy industry. However, at that time, solar cells cost up to $286/watt with conversion efficiencies of only 4,5% to 6%.
Since then, silicon solar cell technology has made great strides. Major corporations such as Canadian Solar, Sharp, and Q-Cell have improved to achieve efficiencies ranging from 16% to 25%, and even close to 40% under experimental conditions. In the future, this technology is expected to continue to develop, providing more effective solutions in both cost and application.
2.2. Concentrated solar power system (CSP)
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems work by using mirrors, lenses, and tracking devices to focus sunlight from a large area into a small beam. This beam generates enormous amounts of heat, enough to melt molten salt to temperatures of up to 566°C. The molten salt is then directed to boil water, creating high-pressure steam to drive turbines that generate electricity.
Historically, this technique of focusing light was used by the great Greek scientist Archimedes. He used bronze mirrors to focus sunlight and burn Roman warships during the war.
CSP systems have many advantages: common production materials, low investment costs, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. However, this type is most suitable for large-scale solar power plants and requires a significant installation area.
3. The important role of solar power
Solar power is considered one of the invaluable energy sources as it plays an important role in many different fields such as environment, economy and society.
3.1. Is a clean, sustainable energy source
Solar power is a renewable energy source that uses natural sunlight to convert into electricity for daily activities. It is also classified as a clean energy source because the exploitation process does not cause greenhouse gas emissions or cause any resources to be depleted. Exploiting and using solar power is considered the perfect solution to limit air pollution and climate change.
3.2. Ensuring the security of national energy sources
Currently, renewable energy is considered a field of special interest to the State and enterprises because of its ability to promote sustainable development. In particular, solar power is considered an energy production method that contributes greatly to energy security in Vietnam. Even in many developed countries, solar power is considered the main source of electricity because the development of this energy source will help minimize dependence on fossil energy sources, pushing back environmental pollution.
Not only that, solar power production is a way to maintain national energy security by helping to limit the rate of economic fluctuations in the context of many changes in fuel prices.
3.3. Economic development
With the ability to move towards sustainable development, the solar power industry has received the attention of many investors and businesses. Solar power exploitation projects will continue to develop in the future, thereby helping to bring many job opportunities for people including production, transportation, installation, operation and maintenance.
3.4. Diversify energy sources
Focusing on exploiting and developing only one fossil energy source will make the country face many great risks because any change can affect national energy security. Therefore, the diversity of energy sources is considered the perfect solution to this problem. The natural energy system includes solar power, wind power, hydropower and countless other renewable energy sources, which can also help reduce power shortages, causing power outages in many areas.
3.5. Maximum cost savings, social development
Although the initial investment cost may be a bit higher than when using fossil energy sources, but with long-term use and sustainability, solar power is truly a cost-effective energy source. Businesses and households can choose the "self-production - self-consumption" option. Therefore, most solar power projects are often built in areas with limited population with the desire to develop the regional economy and provide electricity to remote areas.
4. Some common applications of solar power
- Solar water heaters are commonly used in daily activities, four-season swimming pools...
- Solar heating systems are installed in many buildings.
- Water treatment system using solar power for desalination and disinfection.
- Solar cookers are used in many large restaurants.
- Solar power is used as an alternative energy source to gasoline to operate means of transport such as cars, motorbikes, airplanes, hot air balloons, ships, etc.
5. Conclusion
The above article has helped you learn about solar power. Hopefully our information will be of some help to you as well as contribute to protecting the green - clean - beautiful environment. Don't forget to follow the next articles at GREEN IN for more updated information!