Solar Power for Energy Generation

Our sun is the most potent source of power. Modern technolgies are able to convert sunlight direct into electricity. Systems capable of direct converions are based on semiconductors made at present of silicium or combinations thereof.

These small cells are then integrated and connected to each other to form a solar panel with a specific output.

Applications for this photovoltaic systems ange from powering pocket calculators to generation of energy for entire housholds.

The disadvantage is that sunshine is not available 24 hours a day. Therefore storage systems are needed in form of batteries.

The advantages of solar power generation are obvious. There are no operating costs in form of external fuel purchase. In most countries, single solar installations are conected to the central grid and feed  surplus during daytime into the net.

Other systems based on solar energy are capable to generate hundreds of megawatt energy by using mirrors to bundle solar energy and heat up a transfer medium.

These systems are less dependend on direct sunlight as their main product, heat, can be stored and via cogeneration continuous power plants are already under operation.

Energy derived from sunlight is the most environmental friendly form of energy.

Especially countries located in the earths “sun-belt” will be able to cater most of their electricty needs from the sun.

As solar power is only now receives major attention world-wide, technological advances will most propably make the use of fossile fuels for electricity generation obsolete in the years to come.