Solar Energy 101: Benefits, Applications & Types Explained

Did you know that 7 out of 10 parents worry about how sustainable our planet will be for their kids? This concern drives parents to teach their kids sustainability lessons, such as turning off lights and fans when leaving a room, not leaving the water running for a long time, and more. However, teaching your kids sustainability lessons is not enough—it’s the first step to understanding sustainability. Understanding and adopting sustainable practices in your day-to-day activities is a long journey that starts with understanding different types of renewable energy sources.

In this blog, we’ll explore what solar energy is, how it works, and its diverse applications, benefits, and types.

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is power generated from the sun’s rays. It’s an abundant and renewable resource that can be converted into electricity or heat using various technologies like solar panels (photovoltaic cells) and solar thermal systems. This renewable energy source is clean and sustainable, and it reduces dependency on fossil fuels. India has embraced solar energy as part of its renewable energy push through their National Solar Mission.

Types of Solar Energy

Now that you know what solar energy is, it’s time to look at different types of solar energy.

1. Photovoltaic Systems: This type of solar energy is the most common in household installations. It employs semiconductor cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity, making it perfect for individuals looking for solar power for homes.
2. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): CSP systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a focal point. This concentrated heat produces steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.
3. Solar Thermal Energy: Solar thermal technologies capture the sun’s heat to produce steam. This steam can either be used for electricity generation or direct heating applications.
4. Passive Solar Energy: This is an architectural approach where buildings are designed to capture and store the sun’s heat naturally, reducing the need for artificial heating. It relies on building design, orientation, and materials to achieve this.

How Does Solar Energy Work?

Solar energy works by capturing sunlight and converting it into usable energy, such as electricity or heat. Here’s how solar energy works:

• Step 1: Photovoltaic (PV) Technology

Solar panels, made of photovoltaic cells, absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. These cells also contain semiconductors (like silicon) that generate electric currents when exposed to sunlight. The electricity produced by the PV technology is direct current (DC), which is then converted into alternating current (AC) using an inverter to power homes and businesses.

• Step 2: Solar Thermal Systems

Solar thermal systems use sunlight to heat water or air for residential and industrial purposes.

• Step 3: Storage

Excess solar energy is stored in batteries to use when the sun isn’t shining, such as at night or during cloudy weather.

Applications of Solar Energy

So, what is solar energy used for? The exceptional versatility of solar energy makes it a preferable option for a wide range of applications. Let’s have a closer look at solar energy applications. 

1. Electricity Production: One major solar energy application is electricity production. Photovoltaic (PV) panels are installed on rooftops and solar farms to generate clean energy for homes, businesses, and sometimes the entire city. For instance, Cochin International Airport (CIAL) in Kerala is one of the world’s first fully solar-powered airports. This airport generates its own electricity using solar panels and returns excess power to the grid.
2. Heating: Solar thermal systems are specifically designed to capture and store the sun’s heat. This stored heat can be used to warm water for daily household needs or even for recreational facilities like swimming pools.
3. Cooking: Solar cookers are innovative solutions that prepare meals by utilising direct sunlight. This saves energy and provides a clean and fuel-free manner of food preparation. 
4. Charging: Portable solar chargers have completely changed the way we power our electronics. These chargers offer an environmentally efficient solution to power our electronics, including laptops and cell phones. 
5. Street Lighting: In countries like India, the move towards sustainability is evident in urban planning. Many streets are now adorned with solar-powered LED lights, reducing the strain on the conventional power grid and promoting green energy.

Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages

Like any renewable energy source, solar energy has its advantages and challenges:

Pros:

1. Sustainability: One of the most major advantages is that it is renewable. Solar energy is a feasible power source as long as the sun shines.
2. Eco-friendly: Switching to solar energy is critical for lowering harmful greenhouse gas emissions and effectively combating global warming.
3. Cost-effective: Solar panels can result in significant savings on electricity bills over time, making them an economically viable choice.
4. Low Upkeep: Solar installations, once set up, require very little maintenance, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
5. Employment Opportunities: The burgeoning solar industry has opened doors to numerous job opportunities, from research and development to installation and maintenance.

Cons:

1. Initial Investment: The initial outlay for solar systems, especially high-quality ones, can be on the higher side.
2. Weather Reliant: The efficiency of solar panels can be compromised on cloudy or rainy days, making it less reliable in certain weather conditions.
3. Space Intensive: Large-scale solar installations require ample space, which might not be feasible for densely populated areas.
4. Expensive Energy Storage: While capturing solar energy is efficient, storing it for off-peak times requires batteries, which can be a significant investment.

Solar Energy’s Role in Sustainable Development

In the last decade, more and more people have been inclined towards using clean and renewable energy sources. As parents, teaching your children the growing need and importance of sustainability is vital. You can do that by:

• Conduct experiments: Use a magnifying glass to focus sunlight on paper to demonstrate solar energy.
• Read books: Explore engaging books like The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip or The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
• Visit solar installations: Show children real-world solar panels and their role in electricity generation.
• Play educational games: Try games like Solar Lab to let kids design solar-powered devices.
• Use solar-powered toys: Introduce solar energy with dancing toys, cars, or robots.
• Build a solar project: Create a solar oven or toy to develop problem-solving and engineering skills.

If you are looking to make science exciting for your kids, check out our blog, Make Science Exciting with These Fun and Engaging Activities. Don’t forget to check out EuroKids Blogs for more insights on your kid’s learning, development, and nutrition. Also, check out EuroKids Preschools for the right start for your little one’s learning journey.