Solar PV Energy

Solar Energy Solar Power

Solar PV Energy (Photovoltaics). A solar cell (or photovoltaic cell) is a device that converts light into direct current using the photoelectric effect.

Solar energy is the utilization of the radiant energy from the Sun. Solar power is often used interchangeably with solar energy but refers more specifically to the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either by photovoltaics and concentrating solar thermal devices, or by one of several experimental technologies such as thermoelectric converters, solar chimneys or solar ponds.

Solar PV energy and shading are important considerations in building design. Thermal mass is used to conserve the heat that sunshine delivers to all buildings. Daylighting techniques optimize the use of light in buildings. Solar water heaters heat swimming pools and provide domestic hot water. In agriculture, greenhouses expand growing seasons and pumps powered by solar cells (also known as photovoltaics) provide water for grazing animals. Evaporation ponds are used to harvest salt and clean waste streams of contaminants.

Applications of solar energy technology

Solar PV energy technologies use solar radiation for practical ends. Technologies that use secondary solar resources such as biomass, wind, waves and ocean thermal gradients can be included in a broader description of solar energy but only primary resource applications are discussed here. Because the performance of solar technologies varies widely between regions, solar technologies should be deployed in a way that carefully considers these variations.

Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive or active depending on the way the capture, convert, and distribute sunlight. Active solar techniques use electromechanical components such as photovoltaic panels, pumps, and fans to process sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar techniques use non-mechanical methods that include selecting materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces that naturally circulate air, and referencing the position of a building to the Sun. Active solar pv energy technologies increase the supply of energy and are considered supply side technologies while passive solar technologies reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies.

To find out more about how Mint Solutions can help you with your solar pv energy needs, please contact us.