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