Solar Energy:
Solar thermal systems are the best developed and simplest of the solar technologies. Solar energy can be gainfully conserved by suitable architectural designs that gainfully exploit the site and building materials to turn a building into a solar collector. Active solar thermal systems involve mechanical moving parts.
The basic unit is the solar collector—a panel commonly made of aluminium, glass, plastic and copper. When fitted to a roof, these panels absorb direct sunlight and transfer heat to a fluid that passes through the collector. The fluid flows through pipes into the building where it is used to heat water or warm the rooms.
The solar cell is a device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. Photovoltaics (solar cells) generate an electromotive force in a material as a result of its absorbing ionizing radiation.
Image Source: hannahsolar.com
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In principle, this effect is observable in solids, liquids, and gases, but it is mostly in the case of semi-conductors that significant conversion efficiencies have been achieved. Silicon is the most commonly used component of the solar semi-conductors.
Solar cells have already proved their usefulness in the space exploration programme in India as well as abroad. Solar cells successfully developed at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Trombay, Bombay, have been tested in the satellite Bhaskara and have met part of the power requirement abroad (Gupta, 1981). Their potential for large-scale power generation to meet energy needs on earth is even greater.
Geothermal Energy:
This is produced from heat in the deep interior of the earth. The molten rock beneath the earth’s surface in some places has pushed up close to the earth’s crust. When underground water flows over these hot rocks, the hot water or steam rises through fissures in the earth’s crusts, producing geysers. This geothermal energy can be converted into electricity.