SOLAR ELECTRIC POWER GENERATING SYSTEM

Solar electric power generating system converts the heat from sunlight energy into electricity.

There are several types of solar electric generation systems and they are; photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CPS), and solar thermal electric power generating systems.

Photovoltaic (PV) electric power generating system converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconducting materials.

Concentrated solar power (CSP) electric generating system uses mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a receiver generating intense heat which is converted to electricity using a heat engine. Concentrated solar power electric generating system includes parabolic trough system which uses parabolic mirrors to focus sunlight onto a receiver tube heating a fluid to generate steam to power a heat engine to produce electricity. Solar power tower electric generating system uses mirrors to focus sunlight onto a central receiver generating heat to heat a fluid which is converted to steam to run a heat engine such as the steam or stirling engine to produce electricity. While the dish stirling electric power generating system use parabolic dishes to focus sunlight energy onto a receiver to heat a fluid to power a stirling engine.

Solar thermal electric power generating systems, whatever their physical configuration use sunlight to generate heat which is then used to produce steam and the steam is used to produce electricity. The solar thermal electric power systems use heat transfer fluid to absorb and transfer heat from the boiler to generate steam to power a steam generating system or use steam generated by the solar heat to produce electricity using a steam turbine.

The advantages of solar electric power generating systems are as follows; solar power is sustainable and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Solar power generation produces no greenhouse gas emissions. Solar power systems can provide energy independence especially in remote areas. Solar panels require minimal maintenance and have a long life span.

The disadvantages of solar power generating systems are as follows; solar power generation depends on sunlight availability. Solar power systems can be expensive to install. Large scale solar power generating systems require significant land areas. Solar power systems often require energy storage solutions to address intermittency.

Solar electric power generating systems find widespread application in the following areas; solar photovoltaic systems are used to power homes and business. Solar farms and power plants are used to generate auxiliary power for the grid. Solar power is used to provide electric energy in areas without access to the electric grid networks. Solar power systems are used in space exploration to power satellites and space crafts.

The future of solar power generating system is based on the advances and development of the following technologies; improvement in efficiency photovoltaic, concentrated solar power, solar thermal and energy storage system by design or use of new materials and technologies. Growing demand for solar power systems will be driven by environmental consideration and energy security. Integrating solar power systems with energy storage to mitigate against the intermittent in power supply from sunlight. Incorporating smart grid technologies with solar power, In order to enhance the efficiency of the existing energy infrastructure.

 

SOURCES:

• Solar electricity handbook by Michael Boxwell.
• Off grid solar power bible by Samuel Horten.
• Solar energy engineering: processes and systems by Soteris A. Kalogirou.
• Solar power: A practical handbook by Philip Tonkin and Matthew Williams.
• Solar energy: Fundamentals, design and applications by Gary L. Johnson.