New renewable sources of solar energy have been one of the most notable topics in recent times, due to their benefits for the environment and economy, with solar energy being the one that stands out the most, in addition, technology allows for better use of them.
The subject has gained so much importance that large energy companies such as the Italian giant Enel has entered the solar energy market and offered discounts on Enel duplicate for entrepreneurs or customers who produce solar energy beyond that used for their own consumption.
Therefore, we decided to write this post with the main technologies that can be used to harness solar energy.
Main technologies for harnessing solar energy
When we use a natural resource consciously, we can contribute even more to the preservation of the environment and better use it for our own benefits. Learn about the main technologies for harnessing solar energy.
Conversion of solar radiation into electrical energy
Through light and heat in some semiconductor materials, solar radiation can be converted into electrical energy directly, causing thermoelectric and photovoltaic effects.
Thermoelectric
This is one of the effects of converting solar radiation into electrical energy, which has an important characteristic: it is carried out by joining metals at high temperatures (hotter than the end of the conducting wires).
The thermoelectric system is used to build the temperature meter, but its commercial use to generate energy has become unviable due to material costs and low efficiency.
Photovoltaic
The photovoltaic system is created due to the excitation of electrons conducted by sunlight (photovoltaic cells), with silicon being the most suitable material for converting solar rays into energy.
This type of technology is the most widely used, which efficiently converts solar radiation. in electrical energy.
Solar ray collector
It is possible to absorb solar energy from a collector, a process carried out to heat water at low temperatures. Its use is more indicated for homes, but it can be carried out in companies.
The solar collector is also known as active solar heating, which has a thermal recovery system to collect solar rays. It is installed on the roof of buildings.
Due to the low density of this renewable energy source, a single residence may require a few square meters of the collector, in addition to serving only to provide hot water.
Concentrator
A solar concentrator is a system used for processes that require higher temperatures. This equipment captures solar radiation from large areas and helps retain the energy in a smaller area, causing this smaller area to have a higher temperature.
Thermal use
The concentrators used in solar energy systems have parabolic or spherical shapes. When the rays hit, they are reflected onto a smaller surface, where they are heated.
Parabolic shaped systems help to reach high temperatures, in addition to increasing the use of solar energy, generating steam that helps in the production of solar energy.
Knowing about solar energy technologies is important to make more conscious and appropriate use of it. Use renewable energy and help save our planet.
