Photo Voltaic Principles A pair of positive and negative charges called electron-hole pairs are created in the solar cell by absorbed solar radiations. As discussed earlier, the suitable materials for absorbing the energy of photons of sunlight (light is radiant energy whose quantum is called photon) are semi-conductors like silicon, gallium arsenide with dopants. In … Read more

Solar Photovoltaic Cell Materials Silicon is the most commonly used solar cell material. The electrical properties silicon depend on the type and amount of dopants. Dopants : The commonly used dopants are P – type : Aluminium (Al), Boron (B), Gallium (Ga) N – type : Arsenic (As), Lithium (Li), Antimony (Sb), Phosphorous (P). Bismuth … Read more

Drawbacks of Solar Photo Voltaic Systems Conversion efficiencies of solar cells are very low and is of the order of only 30% only. To cater for the low intensity of solar radiation, large area is needed to generate sufficient power. Solar cell materials are very costly. Due to this, cost of Solar Photo Voltaic Systems … Read more

Advantages of Solar Photo Voltaic Systems It converts solar energy directly into electrical energy without having to go through other thermal processes. Solar cells are reliable, modular, durable and generally maintenance free. These are compatible with all environments and their response is instantaneous. Can be installed at the place of utility, hence avoids the problem … Read more

Introduction of Solar Photovoltaic System In solar photovoltaic system solar energy is directly converted to electric power. This makes the system far more convenient and compact compared to thermal methods of solar energy conversion. It uses the energy of visible and infrared regions of the solar radiations for conversion into electric power.

Solar Chimney Power Plant Solar chimney power plants are not developed commercially. These have been tried out only for demonstration purposes. The schematic diagram of a solar chimney plant is shown in Figure. It is a low temperature thermal power system using air as working fluid. It consists of large area of transparent covers which … Read more

Types of Solar Thermal Power Plants In an effort to utilise solar energy for power generation, various systems are being tried. These are : Low temperature solar power plant using flat plate collector. Medium temperature solar power plant using concentrated solar collectors. High temperature solar power plant using tower system. (I) Low Temperature Solar Power … Read more

Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Thermal Power Plants Over Conventional Thermal Power Plants Advantages of Solar Thermal Power Plants : Saves costly and depleting fossil fuels. Pollution free. Do not require fuel transportation. Can be installed far away from fuel sources and in remote areas. Disadvantages of Solar Thermal Power Plants : Cost of power generation is high. Needs … Read more

Solar Thermal Power Plants In case of solar thermal plants, the solar energy is first collected by using solar ponds, solar flat plate collector, focusing type solar collectors, heliostats etc : It requires very large collection area covering few kilometres of area. It also needs a complex and costly sun tracking system. The collector solar … Read more