Photovoltaic Systems (PV Systems)

PV Systems use solar or photovoltaic cells (PVC) to obtain light directly from Sun, converts the light to electricity and use it to provide electricity for lighting or to power electric devices (refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers etc) at home or in commercial settings.

A PVC often require a battery to store DC currents coming from the Sun through the PVC and an inverter to convert the DC to the AC currents required for electricity supply and for powering electric devices. Initial uses of PVCs had been for powering homes and dwellings at remote locations (off-grid) and to power watches, calculators, and lighted road signs. Recent and future uses will include powering homes that are connected to the main electric grid system. For more information, please go to the Photovoltaic cells page.

Solar Power Generating Plants

Solar Power Plants work similarly to Coal Plants, Hydro-power Plants, Nuclear Plants and Geothermal Plants. Solar radiation is collected through thermal collectors, which can be: (a) Parabolic Troughs or (b) Solar Dish

The radiation is used to heat up a fluid to produce steam that is used to turn the blades of a turbine, which in turn turns a shaft connected to electromagnet and copper wire system (generator) resulting in the generation of electrical charges (electricity). The electricity generated can be stepped up by transformer and sent through transmission lines to end users.

A new solar generating plant system under development is theSolar (Updraft) Tower system. The system is based on the simple theory that hot air rises. It combines chimney effect with the effects of greenhouse and wind.

Solar towers involve the use of the sun’s radiation to heat a large body of air (fluid) from beneath a chimney, causing the air to heat and rise up through the chimney. The movement of the hot air provides the power that turns large turbines fitted with electromagnetic and copper arrangements systems that generate electricity, similar to other power plants - coal plants, hydro-power plants, nuclear plants, geothermal plants etc.

A prototype of the Solar Tower was developed in Spain in 1982 by a group led by a German Engineer Prof Jörg Schlaich, the founder of a company called Schlaich Bergermann & Partner.

A Solar Updraft Tower is being constructed by EnviroMission, in Australia and will be completed by 2012. A picture of the tower and the video, both from EnviroMission are produced below:

Solar Updraft Tower constructed by EnviroMission, in Australia

Related information on EB:

Photovoltaic Cells

Solar Energy

Solar Heating

Daylighting

Other Sources of Information:

• Solar Energy - Energy from the Sun
• EIA Energy Kids - Solar