Solar power plant we visited is located at Keshegaon named as 1KW SOLAR POWER STATION, KESHEGAON. Here the power is created using the solar power plates. The detailed process is as follows -
When light hits the solar panels, the solar
radiation is converted into direct current electricity (DC). The direct current
flows from the panels and is converted into alternating current (AC) used by
local electric utilities. Finally, the electricity travels through
transformers, and the voltage is boosted for delivery onto the transmission
lines so local electric utilities can distribute the electricity to homes and
businesses.
There are two
main ways of generating energy from the sun. Photovoltaic (PV)
and concentrating solar thermal (CST), also known as
concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies.
PV converts
sunlight directly into electricity. These solar cells are usually found
powering devices such as watches, sunglasses and backpacks, as well as
providing power in remote areas.
Solar thermal
technology is large-scale by comparison. One big difference from PV is that
solar thermal power plants generate electricity indirectly. Heat from the sun's
rays is collected and used to heat a fluid. The steam produced from the heated
fluid powers a generator that produces electricity. It's similar to the way
fossil fuel-burning power plants work except the steam is produced by the
collected heat rather than from the combustion of fossil fuels.
How Solar Works
We can change sunlight directly to electricity using
solar cells. Every day, light hits your roof's solar panels with photons
(particles of sunlight). The solar panel converts those photons into electrons
of direct current ("DC") electricity. The electrons flow out of the
solar panel and into an inverter and other electrical safety devices. The
inverter converts that "DC" power (commonly used in batteries) into
alternating current or "AC" power. AC power is the kind of electrical
that your television, computer, and toasters use when plugged into the wall
outlet.
A net energy meter keeps track of the all the power your
solar system produces. Any solar energy that you do not use simultaneous with
production will go back into the electrical grid through the meter. At night or
on cloudy days, when your system is not producing more than your building
needs, you will consume electricity from the grid as normal. Your utility will
bill you for the "net" consumption for any given billing period and
provide you with a dollar credit for any excess during a given period. You can
carry your bill credit forward for up to a year.
Solar
Cells
Solar cells are small, square-shaped panel semiconductors
made from silicon and other conductive materials, manufactured in thin film
layers. When sunlight strikes a solar cell, chemical reactions release
electrons, generating electric current. Solar cells are also called
photovoltaic cells or "PV cells" and can be found on many small appliances
such as calculators.
Solar
Photovoltaic (PV) System Components
A PV system components include PV modules (groups of PV
cells), which are commonly called PV panels; one or more batteries; a charge
regulator or controller for a stand-alone system; an inverter to covert solar
power from direct current (DC) to the alternating current (AC) of the utility
grid-connected system; wiring; and mounting hardware or a framework. A PV
module arranges individual PV cells, and the modules are grouped together in an
array. Some of the arrays are set on special tracking devices to follow
sunlight all day long and improve system efficiency.
PV
System Installation, Maintenance, and Longevity
You could install a photovoltaic (PV) or solar electric
system yourself. But to avoid complications or injury, you will probably want
to hire a reputable professional contractor with experience installing solar
systems. While they are sophisticated electric systems, PV systems have few
moving parts, so they require little maintenance. The basic PV module (an
interconnected, enclosed panel of PV cells) has no moving parts and can last
more than 30 years while requiring little maintenance. The components are
designed to meet strict dependability and durability standards to withstand the
elements. The best way to ensure and extend the life and effectiveness of your
PV system is by having it installed and maintained properly. Most PV system
problems occur because of poor or sloppy system installation.
Incorporating
PV Systems into Your Home and Business
PV systems today can be blended easily into both
traditional and nontraditional homes, powering appliances and electric systems.
PV cells can be installed as a stand-alone module that is attached to your roof
or on a separate system, or using integrated roofing materials with dual
functions - that as a regular roofing shingle and as a solar cell making
electricity. The most common practice is to mount modules onto a south-facing
roof or wall. PV systems likewise can be blended into virtually every conceivable
structure for commercial buildings. You will find PV used outdoors for security
lighting as well as in structures that serve as covers for parking lots and bus
shelters.
Sunlight
Requirements for PV Systems
A photovoltaic (PV) system needs unobstructed access to
the sun's rays for most or all of the day to be effective. Shading on the
system can significantly reduce energy output. Climate is not a major concern
because PV systems are relatively unaffected by air temperatures, and snow
cover typically melts quickly because panels are positioned directly into the
sunlight. Abundant year-round sunshine makes solar energy systems useful and
effective nearly everywhere.
The
Size of Your Solar PV System
The size of your solar system depends on several factors
such as how much electricity or hot water or space heat you use, the size of
your roof, how much you're willing to invest, and how much energy you want to
generate.
Other
Solar Technologies
- Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems concentrate the sun's energy using reflective devices such as troughs or mirror panels to produce heat that is then used to generate electricity.
- Solar water heating systems contain a solar collector that faces the sun and either heats water directly or heats a "working fluid" that, in turn, is used to heat water. For more information on installing a solar water heating system, please see the CSI Solar Thermal section of the Go Solar California website.
- Transpired solar collectors, or "solar walls," use solar energy to preheat ventilation air for a building.
Reference
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