Solar
Renewable Energy Production
8
Solar
Everyone is familiar with solar power energy in the form of solar water heating in many households across the island. This type of solar energy relies on direct heating, using the heat produced by sunlight, which is called solar thermal. Apart from using this energy to just heat water electricity can be harnessed, using the above scheme:
Solar thermal is but one way in which solar energy can be used to generate electricity. Another method is the use of solar panels. Solar panels are being used in more and more households to provide electricity by harnessing the power of the sun. This technology is referred to as‘ solar photovoltaic’, because electricity generation relies on the photoelectric effect, as explained in the following scheme.
Particles of light strike panel
Electrons are knocked loose from atoms in semiconductor material
Electrons are captured as electric current
Solar photovoltaic