What are the basics of solar energy technology?

Learn solar energy technology basics: solar radiation, photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP), grid integration, and soft costs.

What are the technical characteristics of solar energy?

A brief introduction to the technical characteristics of solar energy provides the necessary background information to better understand its economics. The main components of photovoltaic cells are semiconducting materials such as silicon and germanium.

What is solar power?

Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaic (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). The research has been underway since very beginning for the development of an affordable, in-exhaustive and clean solar energy technology for longer term benefits.

How efficient is a solar PV system?

Experimental PV cells and PV cells for niche markets, such as space satellites, have achieved nearly 50% efficiency. When the sun is shining, PV systems can generate electricity to directly power devices such as water pumps or supply electric power grids.

What is the progress made in solar power generation by PV technology?

Highlights This paper reviews the progress made in solar power generation by PV technology. Performance of solar PV array is strongly dependent on operating conditions. Manufacturing cost of solar power is still high as compared to conventional power. Abstract

What are the different types of solar energy technologies?

Solar energy technologies include solar heating, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal electricity and solar architecture, which can make significant contributions towards solving some of the most pressing energy problems now faced by the world .