14. Non-conventional energy resources - Solar energy

The energy crisis has demonstrated that we must conserve non-renewable conventional resources from rapid depletion. For sustainable development in the energy sector, we need to replace non-renewable conventional resources with non-polluting, environment-friendly renewable sources.

 

New sources of energy, known as non-conventional sources of energy, are being developed. Non-conventional sources of energy would provide greater initiative to residents, allowing them to assess their needs and resources to devise a strategy that would be beneficial to them.

 

We will look into the different non-conventional sources of energy in the following theories.

The sun emits a vast amount of light and heat. Only about half of the solar energy (\(47\%\)) that falls on the atmosphere reaches the earth's surface. If we could use a small portion of this energy, we would fulfil the entire country's energy needs. Solar energy offers advantages and certain limitations.

The energy from the sun is harnessed to generate electricity.

Solar cells (Photovoltaic devices) are silicon-based devices that convert sunlight into electricity directly. A solar cell generates electricity without polluting the environment. As there is no fuel other than sunlight, no harmful gases, no burning and no wastes are produced. Solar cells can be installed in inaccessible and remote areas (forests and hilly regions) where constructing a power plant is too expensive.

 

 

Uses of solar cells:

 

1. Solar cells can be utilised for street lighting, traffic signalling, water pumping, battery charging systems etc.

 

2. Solar cells are used in artificial satellites and space probes.

 

3. Solar cells provide radio and TV transmission to remote locations.

 

4. Solar cells are used in calculators, electronic toys, and watches.

 

The solar panel's capacity to supply electric current is much increased. However, the manufacturing process is very expensive.

 

A solar cooker is made up of an insulated metal box or wooden box painted black on the inside to absorb maximum solar radiation. The box's cover is made of a thick glass sheet. The reflector is the plane mirror attached to the box. Thus, the food is cooked by the energy radiated by the sun.

 

In solar thermal power plants, many solar panels concentrate sun rays and heat water into steam. The steam is used to run the turbines to generate electricity.

1. Solar energy is readily available in our country and is free of cost.

 

2. It is a renewable energy source.

 

3. Solar energy can be used for generating electricity or heat.

 

4. Solar energy does not pollute the environment.