Exploring Solar Energy: Harnessing the Power of the Sun

Solar energy is harnessed from the sun's radiation. It's a powerful, clean energy source that can be converted into electricity or heat, with the potential to significantly reduce carbon footprints.

While plants convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis, photovoltaic (PV) cells directly convert sunlight into electricity. This process involves the photoelectric effect, discovered by Einstein, which won him the Nobel Prize.

The efficiency of solar panels has dramatically improved. From the initial 6% of Bell Labs' cells in 1954 to over 22% for modern panels, and some experimental models reach beyond 40% efficiency using multi-junction cells.

Solar thermal plants focus sunlight to heat a medium, often salt, to high temperatures. This stored heat generates electricity via steam turbines, and it can provide energy even when the sun isn’t shining.

Innovative concepts include harnessing solar power directly in space. Satellites equipped with solar panels could collect solar energy and transmit it wirelessly to Earth, providing an uninterrupted energy supply.

Solar energy is not completely benign; manufacturing PV panels produces hazardous waste. However, compared to fossil fuels, the lifecycle emissions are significantly lower, making it a greener choice overall.

Solar power is becoming more affordable. Since 2010, the cost of solar electricity has dropped by around 90%, making it competitive with traditional energy sources and driving a global surge in solar installations.