Solar energy has a great potential as a clean, cheap, renewable and sustainable energy source, but it must be captured and transformed into useful forms of energy as plants do. An especially attractive approach is to store solar energy in the form of chemical bonds as performed in natural photosynthesis.
There are several methods for solar energy conversion, including: Solar photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity using the process known as the photovoltaic effect. Solar thermal systems that capture solar heat to generate electricity. Concentrated solar power systems that focus solar energy to produce steam for power generation.
The energy conversion system consists of one or more devices and these devices are described by various design and operation parameters. The essential part of any solar energy conversion system is the radiation absorber. A radiation concentrator is sometimes part of the systems.
The umbrella of solar energy conversion encompasses solar thermal, solar fuels, solar-to-electricity (photovoltaic (PV)) technology, and the great many subcategories below those. PVs, or solar cells, are advancing quickly, both with regard to industrialization and research.
Solar energy conversion has the potential to be a very cost-effective technology. It is cheaper as compared to non-conventional energy sources. The use of solar energy help to increase employment and development of the transportation & agriculture sector.
What is the conversion rate of solar radiation into electricity?
The conversion rate of solar radiation into electricity by PVs depends on cell type and is between 5% and 20%. Thus, the greater part of the absorbed solar radiation by PVs is converted into heat (at about 60–70%), increasing the temperature of cells.
What is the main objective of a solar energy conversion theory?
The main objective of any (solar) energy conversion theory is to estimate accurately the effective performance of the conversion system. Two steps are necessary in practice to increase the accuracy of simple thermodynamic models. First, additional relevant processes should be included in the models.