In a time when renewable energy resources are being developed in a world-wide effort to reduce the harmful effects we are having on our planet, solar energy is a very popular resource being captured in many forms to reduce our dependency upon electricity. Solar power is concentrated in four major technologies which are competing for supremacy in its applications throughout the world. These solar advances include Solar thermal, Concentrated photovoltaic, Thin-film photo voltaics, and Crystalline photo voltaics. Each has great potential and certain limitations but their boundaries are widening as their respective technology advances.
Solar Thermal involves the use of panels to collect solar energy to an intense level that can heat water to boiling point. The resulting steam is then used to drive turbines. A primary disadvantage of solar energy is the consistent supply of sunlight to the grid. Night fall and cloud cover reduces solar supply, meaning that even in the sunniest regions there's no guarantee of solar energy supply.
Solar thermal technologies have advanced to bypass this limitation by: 1) Using molten salt to store the sun's heat overnight, then converting it to steam then powering the turbines long after the sun has set, or 2) through integration of a biomass or even fossil fuel generator to power the turbines when weather conditions are not optimal to be solar generated. Solar thermal energy enthusiasts also insist that despite high overhead and equipment costs, desert solar thermal farms promise to be far more cost effective than PV systems.
Concentrated Photo Voltaic is a newer technology using mirrors to concentrate the sun's rays on to PV cells. Supporters claim it has a high field durability and about 25 per cent efficiency. This format is ideal for regions with plenty of sunlight and higher temperatures such as desert regions. On the down side, it is inefficient at converting indirect light into energy and thus not suitable for areas commonly used to plenty of cloud cover. Concentrator panels consist mainly of aluminum and glass, while the PV cells can be gallium indium-based so construction of the technology is not necessarily reliant on currently stretched silicon supplies. Supporters claim it is already relatively cost competitive, creating energy at less than 15 US cents per watt. This technology also does not utilize water, also making it attractive for desert climates.
Crystalline Photo Voltaics The most cost efficient and widespread use of solar energy is arguably through the development and use of Crystalline PV panels. These panels are commonly used for decentralized installations, home generation, and are commonly seen in commercial and residential rooftop installations. These silicon-based crystalline solar panels remain the most popular solar application, although newer technologies are quickly developing and gaining ground. The manufacturing costs of the PV panels remain lower than newer technologies despite concerns regarding the supply of silicon that may drive up costs in the future. Field experts indicate otherwise stating that manufacturers are maneuvering to maintain control over their silicon supply chains and combined with advancing manufacturing techniques, believe prices should continue to fall in the long term.
The panels, appearing as uniform black squares, are most preferred for rooftop installations. They are reliable for about 20 years and are becoming a popular commercial and residential application. They are more space efficient than their thin-film solar panel counterparts and their supporters insist that if installed in the right position and climate, they offer payback periods over five years. This application has been available for over 30 years and production costs continue to reduce.
Thin-film Photo Voltaics Thin film is a modernized solar technology, but many experts believe it may indicate the future of solar energy. WIthin the next 5 years they may account for a third of PV panels.
A variety of thin-film technologies are now available, anywhere from more traditional silicon and glass systems to the innovative copper indium gallium solenide cells. These thin-film cells are spectacular at converting indirect sun light. Solar calculators and other small instruments are examples of this technology and thus are best applied in areas with more cloud cover.
Thin-film cells can also be produced through the use of printing press-style manufacturing techniques, meaning that they could be produced more efficiently and in a more cost-effective manner than their more established rivals. Meanwhile, the flexible and lighter nature of thin-film types indicates that they are more likely to be applied in many applications, ranging anywhere from solar windows to solar clothing. Right now thin film may be relatively expensive and not yet efficient, but millions of dollars are being invested in firms who intend to mainstream this promising technology.
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