Harnessing Solar energy, Options for India
A study on harnessing solar energy options for India was conducted recently by Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, Climate works Foundation and SSN foundation. Supporting this study it has been concluded that solar energy can play a big role in providing electricity to rural areas and thus has been included in India’s rural electrification policy. See more at: http://shaktifoundation.in/report/harnessing-solar-energy-options-for-india/
A study on harnessing solar energy options for India was conducted recently by Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, Climate works Foundation and SSN foundation. Supporting this study it has been concluded that solar energy can play a big role in providing electricity to rural areas and thus has been included in India’s rural electrification policy. See more at: http://shaktifoundation.in/report/harnessing-solar-energy-options-for-india/
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4. <strong>Solar</strong> Technologies: The Basics<br />
There are three primary groups of technologies that convert solar <strong>energy</strong> into useful <strong>for</strong>ms <strong>for</strong><br />
consumption.<br />
<strong>Solar</strong> PV technologies consist of semiconductor or other molecular devices called photovoltaic or<br />
solar cells that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. PV modules consist of multiple<br />
cells assembled on a common plat<strong>for</strong>m, connected in series and sealed in an environmentally<br />
protective laminate. If the power provided by one PV module is not enough, then multiple modules<br />
are linked together to <strong>for</strong>m an array to supply power ranging from a few watts to many megawatts.<br />
In addition to the modules, other components (<strong>for</strong> example, inverters, batteries, charge controllers,<br />
wiring and mounting structure) maybe required to <strong>for</strong>m a complete PV system.<br />
<strong>Solar</strong> thermal technologies heat water or air, and other possible working fluids, <strong>for</strong> non-electricity<br />
uses of <strong>energy</strong>. <strong>Solar</strong> water heaters can displace conventional electrical water heaters in homes and<br />
in commercial establishments. Hot-air-based thermal collectors can displace fossil fuel use in<br />
cooking, agricultural drying and more generally in industrial heat processing. In <strong>India</strong>, solar water<br />
heaters have been commercialised and are an economically viable option <strong>for</strong> many regions. Other<br />
applications are still in nascent stages.<br />
Concentrated solar thermal power technologies first convert solar <strong>energy</strong> into heat <strong>energy</strong> and then<br />
into electrical <strong>energy</strong>. Most CSP technology options, namely, the parabolic trough, Fresnel mirror<br />
system and central tower, are meant <strong>for</strong> utility-scale use. Further, with thermal storage, these three<br />
CSP technologies can provide electricity several hours after sunset. However, a less proven CSP<br />
option, the Stirling engine system, can be used in 10 to 25 kW decentralised applications, and can<br />
also be easily aggregated <strong>for</strong> utility-scale plants. Unlike other CSP technologies, this requires little<br />
water, but it also lacks inherent storage of thermal <strong>energy</strong>.<br />
Subsequent chapters in this report discuss PV technology and solar thermal technologies. As it was<br />
felt that CSP-based technologies merit a study of their own, it is not covered in this report.<br />
Introduction CSTEP | Page 24
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