UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE SUBJECT

ME LAB II (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY)

SOLAR ENERGY

SUBMITTED BY:

DIMAANDAL, KENNETH P.

DELOS REYES, JERICHO Q.

GONZALES, CARLO S.

SUBMITTED TO:

ENGR. JOSEPH KIMUEL D. CAGUETE, RMEE

INSTRUCTOR

DECEMBER 2023
INTRODUCTION

In a world marked by a growing awareness of environmental responsibilities and

the quest for sustainable energy solutions, the adoption of solar panels emerges as a
beacon of progress. This paradigm shift not only aligns with our commitment to a
greener planet but also brings forth substantial advantages in the realm of electricity
costs. Harnessing the boundless energy of the sun, solar panels offer a dual promise –
a reduction in our ecological footprint and a significant decrease in the expenditure on
electricity. The financial benefits of embracing solar energy are evident from the outset.
As we invest in solar infrastructure, we embark on a journey towards substantial and
lasting savings on energy bills. This transition to cost-efficient electricity not only
benefits individual homeowners but also empowers businesses to allocate resources
more efficiently, fostering economic sustainability. Beyond immediate cost savings,
solar panels boast impressive durability and require minimal maintenance. This
longevity ensures a steady and reliable source of energy, with the initial investment
proving to be a wise and enduring choice. The resilience of solar panels not only
reduces operational hassles but also contributes to the longevity of our commitment to
sustainability.

Moreover, the shift to solar power grants us a measure of energy independence.

By generating electricity on-site, we liberate ourselves from the constraints of external
power grids, gaining control over our energy production and consumption. This
newfound autonomy not only bolster’s reliability but also shields us from the
uncertainties of traditional energy markets. As we stand on the threshold of a renewable
energy revolution, the advantages of harnessing solar power for cost-efficient electricity
are not just pragmatic but emblematic of a brighter, cleaner future. Join us in embracing
the brilliance of the sun, as we illuminate not only our present but also the path to a
more sustainable and economically viable tomorrow.

The University of Batangas is delighted to be at the forefront of environmental

awareness, having taken a significant step toward sustainability with the installation of
solar panels at our gymnasium. More than just a place to work out, our gym is now a
symbol of the university's commitment to environmentally sustainable activities. We've
not only decreased our carbon footprint by harnessing the power of the sun, but we've
also embraced a future in which academic institutions play a critical role in
environmental stewardship. This endeavor is more than just a physical installation; it is
a commitment to transforming our campus into a living classroom for long-term
sustainability. Students may see the impact of renewable energy firsthand, closing the
gap between academic knowledge and actual application. Beyond textbooks and
lectures, our gymnasium's solar panels provide a practical illustration of how emerging
technology may form a greener, more sustainable future. The benefits transcend
beyond the gym walls, resulting in tangible benefits for our campus community. Using
solar electricity reduces operational expenses significantly, allowing us to direct
resources into improving academic programs and student experiences. Furthermore, it
instills in our students, professors, and staff a feeling of environmental responsibility,
developing a collaborative commitment to sustainable living.

We are supporting a comprehensive approach to well-being that incorporates the

health of our world at the University of Batangas Gymnasium, not simply physical
fitness. Join us in celebrating this watershed moment as we strive for a future where
education, fitness, and sustainability all intersect. Welcome to a gymnasium where the
energy of the sun not only propels our workouts but also illuminates a brighter, greener
academic journey for everybody.

HISTORY

Ancient Times:

 Humans have used the sun for heating and cooking since ancient times. The
Greeks and Romans used architecture to capture solar heat in their buildings.
 The ancient Chinese were known to use solar energy to start fires using
magnifying glasses as early as the 7th century BC.

19th Century:
  In the 1830s, the photovoltaic effect was discovered by the French physicist
Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel. This laid the groundwork for the development of
solar cells.

Early 20th Century:

 Albert Einstein, in 1905, explained the photoelectric effect, providing a theoretical

foundation for the development of solar technology.
 In the 1920s, photovoltaic technology began to advance with the development of
selenium solar cells.

1950s-1960s:

 The space race and the need for a reliable power source for satellites drove the
development of solar cells. In 1958, the Vanguard 1 satellite was equipped with a
small solar panel, making it the first artificial satellite to use solar power.

1970s:

 The oil crisis of the 1970s led to increased interest in alternative energy sources,
including solar power. Governments and research institutions started investing in
solar technology.

1980s-1990s:

 Advances in materials and technology led to increased efficiency and reduced

costs for solar cells.
 The first megawatt-scale photovoltaic power station was built in California in the
1980s.

2000s-Present:

 Ongoing advancements in solar cell technology, manufacturing processes, and

energy storage have continued to improve the efficiency and affordability of solar
energy.
 Governments worldwide have implemented various incentives and subsidies to
promote the adoption of solar power.
  The growth of the solar industry has been significant, with solar becoming one of
the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy.

Current Innovations:

 Modern solar technologies include photovoltaic cells, solar thermal systems, and
concentrated solar power. Researchers are also exploring new materials and
techniques to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

WHAT IS SOLAR ENERGY?

Solar energy, radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat, causing
chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy incident
on Earth is vastly in excess of the world’s current and anticipated energy requirements.
If suitably harnessed, this highly diffused source has the potential to satisfy all future
energy needs. In the 21st century solar energy is expected to become increasingly
attractive as a renewable energy source because of its inexhaustible supply and its non-
polluting character, in stark contrast to the finite fossil fuels coal, petroleum, and natural
gas.

The Sun is an extremely powerful energy source, and sunlight is by far the
largest source of energy received by Earth, but its intensity at Earth’s surface is actually
quite low. This is essentially because of the enormous radial spreading of radiation from
the distant Sun. A relatively minor additional loss is due to Earth’s atmosphere and
clouds, which absorb or scatter as much as 54 percent of the incoming sunlight. The
sunlight that reaches the ground consists of nearly 50 percent visible light, 45 percent
infrared radiation, and smaller amounts of ultraviolet and other forms of electromagnetic
radiation.

The potential for solar energy is enormous, since about 200,000 times the
world’s total daily electric-generating capacity is received by Earth every day in the form
of solar energy. Unfortunately, though solar energy itself is free, the high cost of its
collection, conversion, and storage still limits its exploitation in many places. Solar
radiation can be converted either into thermal energy (heat) or into electrical energy,
though the former is easier to accomplish.

Solar energy, a pivotal facet of the renewable energy landscape, derives from the
sun's inexhaustible radiation. Its harnessing primarily occurs through photovoltaic cells,
intricate devices that undergo the photovoltaic effect to directly transform sunlight into
electricity. Composed predominantly of semiconductor materials such as silicon, these
cells are amalgamated into solar panels, scalable installations found on rooftops,
integrated into architectural designs, or aggregated into expansive solar farms.
Simultaneously, solar thermal systems employ mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto
specialized receivers, initiating a process that transforms solar heat into steam,
ultimately driving turbines to generate electricity.

Beyond electricity production, solar energy manifests in applications like solar

water heaters and air conditioning systems, adding versatility to its utility. The
environmental significance of solar energy lies in its capacity to diminish reliance on
finite, non-renewable fossil fuels, presenting a cleaner alternative with minimal
greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Despite its commendable attributes, solar
energy faces challenges like intermittent sunlight, necessitating efficient energy storage
solutions for sustained power generation. Additionally, while initial installation costs
have historically posed barriers, ongoing advancements in technology are steadily
reducing these expenses, augmenting the economic viability of solar energy. As
societies worldwide intensify their commitment to sustainable practices, solar energy
stands at the forefront of this transition, exemplifying a key player in the global quest for
cleaner, more sustainable energy alternatives.

ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY

 1. Renewable energy source

Among all the benefits of solar panels, the most important thing is that solar energy is a
truly renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is
available every day. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other
sources of energy.

Solar energy will be accessible as long as we have the sun, therefore sunlight will be
available to us for at least 5 billion years when according to scientists the sun is going to
die.

2. Reduces electricity bills

Since you will be meeting some of your energy needs with the electricity your solar
system has generated, your energy bills will drop. How much you save on your bill will
be dependent on the size of the solar system and your electricity or heat usage. This
can be found in our ‘is it worth getting solar panels?’ guide.

For example, if you are a business using commercial solar panels this switch can have
huge benefits because the large system size can cover large chunks of your energy
bills.

Moreover, not only will you be saving on the electricity bill, but there is also a possibility
to receive payments for the surplus energy that you export back to the grid through the
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). If you generate more electricity than you use
(considering that your solar panel system is connected to the grid).

3. Diverse applications

Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes. You can generate electricity
(photovoltaics) or heat (solar thermal). Solar energy can be used to produce electricity
in areas without access to the energy grid, to distil water in regions with limited clean
water supplies and to power satellites in space.
Solar energy can also be integrated into the materials used for buildings. Not long ago
Sharp introduced transparent solar energy windows.

4. Low maintenance costs

Solar energy systems generally don’t require a lot of maintenance. You only need to
keep them relatively clean, so cleaning them a couple of times per year will do the job. If
in doubt, you can always rely on specialised cleaning companies, which offer this
service from around £25-£35.

Most reliable solar panel manufacturers offer 20-25 years warranty.

Also, as there are no moving parts, there is no wear and tear. The inverter is usually the
only part that needs to be changed after 5-10 years because it is continuously working
to convert solar energy into electricity and heat (solar PV vs. solar thermal). Apart from
the inverter, the cables also need maintenance to ensure your solar power system runs
at maximum efficiency.

So, after covering the initial cost of the solar system, you can expect very little spending
on maintenance and repair work.
 5. Technology development

Technology in the solar power industry is constantly advancing and improvements will
intensify in the future. Innovations in quantum physics and nanotechnology can
potentially increase the effectiveness of solar panels and double, or even triple, the
electrical input of the solar power systems.

Don’t want to wait any longer to reap all of these solar benefits? By opting for solar
panels, you’re not only reducing your energy costs, but you’re also making a positive
impact on the environment. Green Match can help you take the first step by securing
the best quotes for your needs.

By filling out our form now you’ll receive up to 4 free quotes from trusted local installers
and begin your journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future in less than a
minute. Say goodbye to hours spent vetting and requesting quotes from installers in
your area.

DISADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY

 1. Cost

The initial cost of solar panels is fairly high. This includes paying for solar panels,
inverter, batteries, wiring, and the installation. Nevertheless, solar technologies are
constantly developing, so it is safe to assume that prices will go down in the future.

2. Weather-dependent

Although solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency
of the solar system drops. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight to effectively gather
solar energy. Therefore, a few cloudy, rainy days can have a noticeable effect on the
energy system. You should also take into account that solar energy cannot be collected
during the night. You should also take into account that solar energy cannot be
collected during the night. Not even big system sizes like a 12kW solar system can
collect solar energy at night.

3. Solar energy storage is expensive

Solar energy has to be used right away, or it can be stored in large batteries. These
batteries, used in off-the-grid solar systems, can be charged during the day so that the
energy is used at night. This is a good solution for using solar energy all day long but it
is also quite expensive.

In most cases, it is smarter to just use solar energy during the day and take energy from
the grid during the night (you can only do this if your system is connected to the grid).
Luckily your energy demand is usually higher during the day so you can meet most of it
with solar energy.

4. Uses a lot of space

The more electricity you want to produce, the more solar panels you will need, as you
want to collect as much sunlight as possible. Solar PV panels require a lot of space and
some roofs are not big enough to fit the number of solar panels that you would like to
have. Some roofs also have obstacles like windows that could influence how much solar
panels you can install. This problem occurs less with solar panels for flat roofs in the
UK.

An alternative is to install some of the panels in your yard but they need to have access
to sunlight. If you don’t have the space for all the panels that you wanted, you can opt
for installing fewer to still satisfy some of your energy needs.

6. Associated with pollution

Although pollution related to solar energy systems is far less compared to other sources
of energy, solar energy can be associated with pollution. Transportation and installation
of solar systems have been associated with the emission of greenhouse gases.

There are also some toxic materials and hazardous products used during the
manufacturing process of solar photovoltaic systems, which can indirectly affect the
environment.

TYPES OF SOLAR ENERGY

 PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ENERGY

The history of solar photovoltaics dates back to around the 1830s when the photovoltaic
effect was discovered. Later, in 1954, Bell Laboratories in the US built the first solar PV
panel. To gain an understanding of this type of solar energy, it helps to think of the solar
panel on a calculator. Solar panels work by turning direct sunlight into electricity.

Photovoltaic solar systems are one of the most popular types of solar power systems
available. Typically, a number of solar cells make up a photovoltaic panel, producing a
direct current that converters turn into alternating current. A group of solar PV panels
connected with the required kit to turn sunlight into electrical energy is known as a solar
cell system.

Today we can see some of the largest countries in the world, including China, the
United States, and the European Union rolling out large-scale solar farms to increase
solar capacity. As of 2018, these countries had a total solar capacity of 175,018MW,
62,200MW, and 115,234MW respectively. Meanwhile, developing countries are moving
to seek freely available energy harvested from solar radiation as populations expand.

In 2018, Asia was striding ahead in terms of solar panel installations4. The region made
up 75% of global solar power installations, proving that PV panels generating power
from sunlight look to be one of the most popular forms of solar energy. Domestically, the
price of installing photovoltaic solar power cells has dropped dramatically as a result of
government incentives and rebates. As a result, busting the expense myth, more and
more homes now benefit from clean usable energy derived from the sun.

As far as efficiency goes, a photovoltaic solar panel system will produce around
200kWh under normal test conditions. This is based on a solar panel that has an
efficiency of 20% and an area of 1m2. As the technology has advanced, thin film solar
cells have become more versatile, and thinner. As a result, we can now see solar
energy technology used for roof tiles and in other more innovative applications such as
building exteriors.

 CONCENTRATED SOLAR ENERGY

Concentrated solar has an interesting history that many believe dates back to
Archimedes and his burning glass. This form of energy uses mirrors and lenses to
concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a receiver.
It was in 1866 that a parabolic trough was used to produce steam making it possible to
power the first solar steam engine. However, Alessandro Battaglia obtained the first
patent in 1886, and in 1929, Dr. R.H. Goddard created a solar power system using a
mirror dish.

As it currently stands, there are four types of concentrated solar technologies that exist.
These are the parabolic trough, dish, concentrating linear Fresnel reflector, and solar
power tower.

The first system was deployed in 1984 and by the end of that year, the number of
systems had reached 14. By 2019, installations globally had reached a total of 6,451.
Modern installations use thousands of mirrors, concentrating the sun's energy into a
small area that gets very hot. The heat then drives a steam turbine to generate
electricity. This form of solar energy best suits those countries that see extremely high
levels of sunshine. Therefore, it is no surprise that Spain has the largest capacity of
2,300MW while the US and South Africa follow close behind with 1,738MW and
400MW.

Concentrated solar power is not quite as popular for large-scale applications as using
photovoltaic or PV panels, however, they do have a conversion efficiency of as much as
25% to 35%.

 SOLAR THERMAL POWER

Solar thermal power systems use sunlight to generate heat. This heat is then used to
produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators to produce electricity.
There are two main types of solar thermal systems: parabolic trough systems and solar
power tower systems.
Parabolic Trough Systems: These systems use curved, reflective mirrors to focus
sunlight onto a pipe running along the length of the trough. The concentrated sunlight
heats a fluid inside the pipe, and the hot fluid is used to generate steam.

Solar Power Tower Systems: In these systems, an array of mirrors, known as

heliostats, track the sun and focus sunlight onto a central tower. The concentrated
sunlight heats a receiver at the top of the tower, generating steam to produce electricity.
  SOLAR
HEATING
AND

COOLING

Solar energy can be used for heating water and spaces. Solar water heaters use
sunlight to heat water for residential or industrial use. Solar air conditioning systems use
solar power to cool buildings.
 MAIN COMPONENTS OF A SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Cells)

Solar panels are comprised of photovoltaic cells, typically made from semiconductor
materials like silicon. These cells capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC)
electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

Inverter

The direct current produced by solar panels needs to be converted into alternating
current (AC) for most household and commercial uses. Inverters perform this crucial
function, transforming DC electricity into AC electricity suitable for powering appliances
and feeding into the electrical grid.

Mounting and Racking System

Solar panels need to be securely mounted in place to capture sunlight effectively.

Mounting and racking systems provide the necessary support and orientation for the
solar panels, ensuring they are positioned optimally for sunlight exposure.

Solar Charge Controller (for Off-Grid Systems)

In off-grid solar power systems with batteries, a solar charge controller regulates the
voltage and current from the solar panels to prevent overcharging and damage to the
batteries. This component is essential for managing the energy flow in standalone
systems.
Batteries (for Off-Grid Systems)

Off-grid solar power systems often include batteries to store excess energy generated
during sunny periods for use when sunlight is unavailable. Batteries store the energy as
direct current and release it when needed.

Electrical Wiring and Connectors

Wiring connects the various components of the solar power system, facilitating the flow
of electricity from the solar panels to the inverter and then to the electrical loads or the
grid. Connectors ensure secure and efficient electrical connections.

Monitoring and Control Systems

These systems provide real-time data on the performance of the solar power system.
Users can monitor factors such as energy production, system efficiency, and potential
issues. Advanced monitoring allows for proactive maintenance and optimization of the
system.

Power Meter (for On-Grid Systems)

On-grid solar power systems are typically connected to the electrical grid. A power
meter measures the electricity generated by the solar panels and, in some cases, tracks
the amount of excess electricity fed back into the grid.

Utility Grid (for On-Grid Systems)

On-grid systems are connected to the utility grid, allowing for the exchange of electricity.
Excess electricity generated by the solar panels can be fed back into the grid, and
electricity can be drawn from the grid when solar production is low.
Grounding Equipment and Lightning Protection

These components ensure the safety of the solar power system by grounding it and
protecting against lightning strikes. Grounding equipment prevents electrical surges and
ensures that the system is electrically safe.

PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM OF SOLAR PV ENERGY

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF SOLAR PV ENERGY

LOCAL SOLAR POWER PLANTS

1. Calatagan Solar Power Plant

The Calatagan Solar Farm is a 63.3 MW solar power plant located in Calatagan,
Batangas, Philippines. It is owned by Solar Philippines and was completed in 2016 at a
cost of ₱5.7 billion. The facility, which covers 160 hectares of land near the foot of
Mount San Piro, is equipped with 200,000 solar panels and has generated over
500GWh of clean energy since the start of its operation in 2016. The plant is the largest
solar facility in Luzon, Philippines, and has made a significant contribution to the
country's renewable energy goals.
 2. Tarlac Solar Farm

The Tarlac Solar Farm, also known as the Tarlac Solar Power Project (TSPP), is a
significant solar energy facility located in Tarlac City, Tarlac Province, Philippines. It
covers 55 hectares of industrial land within the PEZA-registered Central Technopark
and has been operational since 2016. The project, developed by Petrodollar
Corporation, a company owned by Petro Green Energy Corporation and EEI Power
Corporation, has a nameplate capacity of 50 MWp/DC and has generated almost
200GWh of clean energy as of August 2021. It is expected to provide clean energy to
approximately 31,700 households, saving over 47,800 tons of CO2 emissions every
year. The Tarlac Solar Farm is a significant contributor to the country's renewable
energy goals and has been instrumental in providing clean energy to the Luzon grid.
 3. Nueva Ecija Solar Farm

The Nueva Ecija Solar Farm is a significant solar power project under development in
Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. It is being developed by Solar Philippines and is
set to become the largest solar power facility in the Philippines upon completion. The
project, which is being constructed in phases, has a planned capacity of 500 MW, with
the first phase aiming to produce 225 MW. The location has been chosen due to its
good levels of irradiance and adequate available land, making it conducive to solar
power generation. The project is expected to make a substantial contribution to the
country's renewable energy goals and is a part of SPNEC's plan to become a major
player in the solar energy sector.
 4. San Carlos Solar Energy Plant

The San Carlos Solar Energy Plant, also known as SaCaSol, is a significant solar
energy facility located in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. It is a
greenfield, stand-alone solar farm with a total gross capacity of 45 MW, generating
renewable energy to supply daytime peak power to the Visayas grid. The plant was
developed in four phases, with the first phase (Phase A) at 13 MW, Phase B at 9 MW,
Phase C at 13 MW, and Phase D at 10 MW. The project aims to provide supplemental
electricity, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions in power generation by the use
of renewable energy. The facility is the largest solar power facility in Southeast Asia by
the time of its commissioning.
 5. Cavite Solar Power Plant

The Cavite Special Economic Zone Solar Power Project, also known as Cavite
Economic Zone Solar Power Project, is a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm located in
Rosario, Cavite Province, Philippines. The project came online in 2015 and is an
operating solar power facility. The specific details about the project, such as its capacity
and ownership, are not readily available in the provided search results. However, it is
worth noting that the Cavite Economic Zone Solar Power Project is one of the many
solar power projects in the Philippines, contributing to the country's renewable energy
goals and providing clean energy to the grid.
Global Solar Power Plants

1. Bhadla Solar Park

The Bhadla Solar Park is a prominent solar power plant located in the Thar Desert of
Rajasthan, India. It spans an area of 56 square kilometres and has a total capacity of
2,245 megawatts, making it one of the largest solar parks in the world. The park is part
of India's National Solar Mission, which aims to install 100 gigawatts of solar power by
2022. The project has multiple benefits for the local economy and environment, creating
about 10,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation, and reducing
the dependence on fossil fuels while avoiding about 4 million tons of carbon emissions.
The park has faced challenges such as dust accumulation on the solar panels due to its
location in an arid region that experiences frequent dust and sandstorms. The Bhadla
Solar Park is a significant contribution to India's renewable energy goals and its
commitments under the Paris Agreement.
 2. Huang he Hydropower Hainan Solar Park

The Huang he Hydropower Hainan Solar Park is a significant solar power project
developed by Huang he Hydropower Development in China. While the specific details
about the Hainan Solar Park are not available in the provided search results, the
company has been involved in the development of several solar projects in China.
These include the Gol mud Solar Park, a 200 MW photovoltaic power station located in
Qinghai Province, and the Huang he Solar PV Park, a 202.86 MW solar PV power
project planned in Qinghai, China. Additionally, Huang he Hydropower Development
has built a 2.2 GW solar power park in Gol mud, Qinghai, which is one of the largest
solar power plants in the world. The company's significant involvement in solar power
projects underscores its commitment to renewable energy development in China.
 3. Longyan Xia Dam Solar Park

The Longyan Xia Dam Solar Park is a significant solar power project located in the high
desert on the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai Province, China. It is part of a hydro-solar
integration, combining a major hydroelectric dam with a solar project, which enables
solar power production by being integrated with a dispatchable resource. The solar park
has a capacity of 850 MW and features more than 4 million solar panels spread across
more than 10 square miles. It has helped China move towards its ambitious targets for
increasing generation from cleaner fuel. The project has been developed by Huang he
Hydropower Development and has played a key role in China's renewable energy
strategy, contributing to the country's goal of becoming a green superpower.
 4. Topaz Solar Farm

Topaz Solar Farm the Topaz Solar Farm is a significant solar photovoltaic (PV) project
located in San Luis Obispo County, California, United States. It is one of the largest
solar farms in the world, with a power generating capacity of 550 megawatts (MW). The
project, developed by First Solar, consists of around nine million thin-film cadmium
telluride ground-mounted PV modules spread over an area of approximately 3,500 to
4,700 acres. The solar farm became fully operational in October 2014 and is currently
owned by BHE Renewables, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. At its full
operational capacity, the plant produces enough electricity to power more than 181,000
homes, removing about 407,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, which is
equal to removing 77,000 cars from the road. The project entailed an investment of
around $2.5 billion and created 400 jobs during the construction phase.
 5. Noor Solar Park

The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex in Morocco is one of the largest solar power
plants in the world. It is a multi-technology solar energy production site, consisting of
four separate solar power plants using various technologies. The complex includes
Noor Ouarzazate I and II, which use cylindrical parabolic mirrors, Noor Ouarzazate III, a
concentrated solar power tower, and Noor Ouarzazate IV, a hybrid photovoltaic plant.
The entire project was planned to produce 582 MW, with an estimated cost of around
$9 billion. The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex is a significant renewable energy
project, aiming to supply electricity to a large number of people and reduce CO2
emissions. It is a flagship project under the ambitious energy policy of the Moroccan
Kingdom.
HOW DOES THE SOLAR ENERGY WORKS?

When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the
PV cells in the panel. This energy creates electrical charges that move in response to
an internal electrical field in the cell, causing electricity to flow.

 Sunlight Capture

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are made up of semiconductor
materials, typically silicon. When sunlight (photons) strikes these panels, it excites
electrons in the semiconductor material, generating an electric current. This
phenomenon is known as the photovoltaic effect.

 Generation of Direct Current (DC)

The excited electrons create a flow of electricity in the form of direct current (DC) within
the solar cells. However, most household and commercial appliances use alternating
current (AC).

 Inverter Conversion

To make the electricity usable for most applications, an inverter is used to convert the
generated DC electricity into AC electricity. This process is crucial for supplying power
to homes, businesses, and the electrical grid.

 Electricity Distribution

The converted AC electricity can then be used to power electrical appliances and
devices within a home or business. In grid-tied systems, any excess electricity can be
fed back into the electrical grid for use by others, often earning credits or compensation
for the solar system owner.
  Off-Grid Systems and Energy Storage (Optional)

In off-grid solar power systems, where there is no connection to the electrical grid,
excess electricity is often stored in batteries. This stored energy can then be used
during periods when sunlight is not available, such as at night or during cloudy days.

 Sun Tracking (Optional)

Some advanced solar systems use sun-tracking technology to optimize the positioning
of solar panels throughout the day. This ensures that the panels are directly facing the
sun, maximizing the amount of sunlight captured and, consequently, electricity
generated.

 Monitoring and Control

Solar power systems often include monitoring and control systems that allow users to
track the performance of the system in real-time. This data helps in assessing energy
production, system efficiency, and identifying potential issues.

In conclusion solar energy works by converting sunlight into electricity through the
photovoltaic effect in solar panels. This clean and renewable energy source can be
utilized to power homes, businesses, and even entire communities, contributing to a
more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape.
REFERENCES

Proctor, D., & Proctor, D. (2020, May 5). China’s Renewables Strategy Shines in
Massive Solar Park. POWER Magazine. https://www.powermag.com/chinas-renewables-
strategy-shines-in-massive-solar-park-2/?fbclid=IwAR21CHCH1iEjxOxVeNJHG_T-
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