The Concept Of Solar Power

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Abstract

Solar Power is bequest for contemporary natural environment and preferred by global populace as escalating carbon emission problems come up with burning fossil fuels. This energy form is broadly used in developing countries because it is profuse and it can improve the situation in countryside.(Gustavsson, 2007) Solar Power provides security to future energy conservation of nation. The current dissertation explores practicability of Solar Power in Indian terrain and analyses the potential of India to contribute Solar Energy. This study encompasses the significance of replacing existing energy sources with renewable energies and accentuates the advantages of Solar Energy. The research also involves the government incentives to promote Solar Power projects. The proposed data collection techniques are a questionnaire and a structured interview.

Table of Content

Abstract

Introduction

Literature review/assessment

Proposed Methodology

Conclusion

References

Appendices

Introduction

In today’s hi-tech world, immeasurable changes are taking place in technological field which has a great influence on daily lives of populace all around the world. Basically technology brings the advancements and reveals knowledge of humans. The main focus of this proposal is to elaborate the major benefit of Solar Power on human life in India with support of theoretical framework. Plethora of researches supports this hypothesis that technological development due to Solar Power enhances living of people. Solar radiations drive physical and biological system on earth. The notion of Solar Power is rooted deep in the thought of a modern society. Research reports have shown that Solar Power is one of the most resourceful renewable energies obtained from the light of the sun.

Solar Energy use is old age practice where people cannot get other energy suppliers. For example, in rural areas, people do not get electricity.(ENVIS, 2008) The intent of present research is to investigate Solar Energy use in numerous sectors in India. Meanwhile, paper elucidates the prominent and general factors to Solar Power in contemporary situation. India has immense potential to use Solar Power for many projects such as for the domestic application (figure: 1). India is a major player in worldwide energy conversion. If sufficient technical and production resources will be available, India may be a chief supplier of PV cells and modules to fulfil the increasing demand at global level. Due to speedy growth in technological sector, India may develop hi-tech Solar System and gain high status in generating Solar Energy in the world.

As energy consumption is increasing among world populace, Solar Power has immense importance to supply domestic energy. Numerical reports indicated that in India, approximately 50,000 villages do not get electricity. Solar Power has huge potential to fulfil electrical demands in rural areas, enhancing livelihood of Indian people and accomplish critical agricultural, education and industrial goals. It is need of the hour to explore the variable nature of global climate and feasibility of Solar Power in Indian land.

Research Questions

Bulk of studies and research reports have demonstrated the usage of Solar Power in sectors like hospitality, medical institutes and other important services to enhance life of populace. It can be beneficial for environment and economic development of country. This paper addresses the important constituents of Solar Power that are likely to impact the various sectors in India. The main research questions arising from existing literature on Solar Power are:

1) How use of Solar Power can lead to economic enhancement in Indian industrial sector?

2) What are technological issues of using Solar Energy in India?

3) How the use of Solar Energy is geographically feasible in India?

Literature Review/Assessment

Solar Power is a main topic of discussion in radically changing climatic conditions of earth and its favourable impacts on humans. Human population lives in the physical environment which is an important sub system of big natural process system.(Jahi, 1999) Many researches demonstrate the direct association between human activities and the environment. Humans use natural resources for their benefits which can affect in positive or negative way to them. "Energy is considered a prime agent in the generation of wealth and a significant factor in economic development. Limited fossil resources and environmental problems associated with them have emphasized the need for new sustainable energy supply options that use renewable energies" (Garud, 2011, Pp.: 1).

Copious research studies demonstrated that global warming, environmental effluence, and scarcity of fossil fuel sources are major factors that instigate contemporary civilization to use renewable sources of energy. Many theorists affirm that Solar Energy is the best form of renewable, clean, contemporary energy sources for developing countries that can be obtained through numerous ways such as Photo biologic Systems, Chemical Systems, Photovoltaic systems, Thermal Systems, and Active & Passive Systems.(Raoufirad, 1985)

Concept of Solar Power: Solar Power is the modern technology that utilizes energy from the sunlight to generate electricity to homes, equipment and industry structures.(Richards, 2009) It is well documented in research studies that human life depends on energy released by sun. This energy is responsible for biological and chemical changes on planet. Many biologists referred to this energy as environment friendly from other types of energies because it can be utilized in numerous ways for human purposes. Solar Energy is generated from the centre of sun in which pair of hydrogen nuclei is fused into helium nuclei. This energy is generated in the form of electromagnetic radiations (Sonnenergie, 2005).

At first, Solar Energy was used by Solar cells or photovoltaic devices, called Solar panels. Solar panels are composed of semiconductor materials that have two sheets of silicon separated by an electrical field which are specially designed to take the photons of energy from sunlight.(Toothman and Aldous, 2009) The main device to measure sunshine duration is Campbell Stokes’ sunshine reorder. This instrument comprises of solid glass sphere which has focal point at the side and focuses on sunlight onto a recording card (Sonnenergie, 2005). Main application of Solar Power is to run electronic devices including water heaters, furnaces, ovens, watches and mobile chargers. The principle behind Solar Hot Water System is that water uses fossil fuel backup heating tank to store water. It is very economical and simple for personnel working on solar projects. It is not viable method because heat can be transferred when there is a difference in temperature. As collector temperature reached to storage temperature, heat exchange is nominal. If fossil fuel heating system is separated from Solar Hot Water storage facility, the heat transfer capacity increases.(Canivan, 2005)

Historical Backdrop of Solar Power: Solar Energy is a natural course used by people from prehistoric time when lacking other Power supplies.(ENVIS, 2008) Due to abundance of sunlight, early civilization concentrated on Solar Energy use and thought it is precious source of life. Solar Energy was also used in war fares in 212 BC by Arashmidos.(Raoufirad, 1985) Recently due to energy crisis, populace switch to this Solar Power for domestic and industrial use especially in India as energy of the fossil fuels and luxurious energies create environmental degradation.(Piri, 2000) Historical records demonstrated that consumption of Solar Energy started from the 19th century. In the beginning of 19th century, Sterling made the piston air motor that was operated by Solar Energy. After hundred years, array of Solar Motors were prepared to operate the printing machines and manufacturing.

Solar Energy also impacted in the area of Aviation and Space Research and had important roles in the space industry Solar Energy is used to provide the Power to communications satellites. In early civilization, Solar Energy was used to cook food by sunlight. In the mid of 1950, principles of Solar Energy was developed for cooking by the sunlight and it has economic advantages also.(Halasi, 1985) In the twentieth century, there were plenty of cheap fossil fuels, fossil resources therefore people consumed less Solar Energy for domestic purposes. But recently, due to scarcity of energy and heightened economic, technical, environmental quandaries developed by excessive consumption of fossil fuels, the application of Solar Energy for domestic as well industrial operation has been augmented.(Piri, 2000)

c) Types of Solar System: Various types of Solar systems are developed to overcome economical, technical and environmental problems:

i) Photo Biologic Systems: These systems are based on absorption of photons by a leaf chloroplast i.e. Photosynthesis. Raoufirad elucidated that "The biologic energy stored in the plant is retrieved by burning the wood or preparing fuels such as alcohol and the output of this process is between 0.25 to 0.5% and such fuels are rarely used due to their low output".(Raoufirad, 1985)

ii) Chemical Systems: Chemical Solar Systems classified into different groups. The photochemical systems, in this the Solar radiation is used in chemical process. Another system is Heliothermic Systems in which Sun is used as a thermal supply.(Raoufirad, 1985)

iii) Photovoltaic Systems: Photovoltaic systems convert Solar Energy into the electrical energy without use of moving instrument. Solar cell was used since 1960 as an electrical generator in space craft. Solar cells can directly convert the Solar Energy to the electricity with an output of 5 to 20%. But it is not very economical.(Raoufirad, 1985)

iv) Active And Passive Systems: "Active Solar Energy systems refer to those systems which use mechanical equipment for absorbing, maintaining, and using the Solar Energy and, inactive systems or natural systems are applied in the design of the buildings in such a way that without using mechanical equipment, it is possible to use the Solar Energy for heating and cooling the building".(Rahimi, 2004)

v) Solar Thermal Systems: Solar thermal energy is a system that exploits energy from the sun to produce heat, or thermal energy. Solar Energy is stored through highly well-organized receivers and collectors and progresses through a thermal liquid, which collects the heat. Numerous types of engine like steam engines, gas turbines and Stirling engines are very proficient and have capacity to produce 10’s to 100’s of megawatts of Power.(Canivan, 2005) Solar thermal Power is considered as most economical solar technology when using at mass level.(Price et al., 2002)

d) Advantages of Solar Power: Solar Energy is natural endowment for earth and people can use freely for household purpose. Many researchers like Piri and Rahimi mentioned economic, environmental, technical benefits for using Solar Power.(Piri, 2000; Rahimi, 2004) Major benefit of Solar Power is that it is renewable, hygienic, and sustainable and reduces environmental degradation.(Sambo, 2005) Solar Power is impacted by the supply and demand of petroleum and lower health costs. Technological advantages of Solar Energy are that such systems do not require maintenance. And there is no recurring cost after installation. In many developing countries, Solar Energy can enhance the living standard of rural region and help to maintain energy stock.

e) Solar Power in India: India is thickly populated country and its energy sources do not maintain balance with the vigorous economic augmentation. Due to explosive growth of population and high demand of energy, country suffers from severe crisis of energy sources. This leads to look at the consumption of renewable sources of energy. Statistical data demonstrated that more than 400 million people do not have access of electricity. 28 million rural people are dependent on biomass or diesel to fulfil their energy needs. Solar Energy presents a huge prospective for India in which large percentage of people reside in rural areas that cannot access other form of energy for their household work. Research proves that India receives more than 5 million TW/h of correspondent Solar Energy every year that is more than its yearly energy utilization.(RNCOS, 2010) Researches stated that geographical setting, huge population and government support can develop one of the Powerful Solar Energy markets in the world. Bulk of studies revealed that Solar Energy do not have adverse impact on environment because it has zero emissions while generating electricity or heat. In India, The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission was initiated in 2009 to Solar Power as reasonable as other conventional Power by 2022 and develop nation to become a global player in utilizing Solar Energy for various purposes.

f) Current Solar Systems in India: There are numerous Solar Systems developed in India to facilitate energy supplies in rural areas. The Indian Government has taken good initiative and implemented effectual strategies to maximize the use of the available solar radiation. The first Solar Power Plant established in India was the Kolar plant in Karnataka using technology of Photovoltaic Cell plant that produces 3 MW of Solar Power. This Solar Power Plant has immense significance for agricultural area because farmers get electricity during day to use for irrigation.(Major Solar Projects In India)

Government of India has launched one major Solar Power Project in India that will generate 20 GW of Power from Solar Energy in 2020. It’s future target to augment production to 200 GW in 2050. This effective project will increase the installed Solar Power capacity at high level in 2030 and reduce the cost of electricity generation from Solar Power.(Major Solar Projects In India) In past, Government of India has endorsed solar cooking projects such as Parabolic Dish Solar Cookers, Solar Box Cooker, Community Solar Cooker and Solar Steam Cooking System.

g) Key Challenges: Major challenge of using alternate energy sources are expenses. Presently, the initial cost of Solar Energy systems is more as compared to conventional energy systems. Researchers believe that this is one of the obstacles to switch over to deployment of Solar Power.

h) Benefit of Using Solar Power in India: In India, there are number of benefits to utilize Solar Power for domestic purposes. It is abundant in Indian atmospheric condition and easily accessible. Many scientists accentuated that "Solar Energy systems are designed for a lifelong activity".(Raoufirad, 1985) Their initial cost is very high but it can be used freely after that. Another ground for using Solar Power in India is that it requires least maintenance. It is well documented that traditional energy demands high cost for repair and that creates problem the consumers. Solar Power is beneficial for consumers as compared to conventional energy system in terms of repair costs because in these systems few mechanical parts are used and all devices are user friendly.(Piri, 2000)

Proposed Methodology

Researchers need appropriate methodology to discover scientific facts and provide truthful observations. Research methodology is an important part to successfully complete the research project. In this research study, I will follow various steps such as developing research problem, formulating the hypothesis, collecting the facts of data, analysing the fact and reach to solutions towards the issue.

a) Research Strategy: A plentiful research studies are available. As mentioned previously, this project aims at discussing the feasibility of Solar Energy in India. I have designed a research plan to cover economic, environmental and technical aspects of Solar Energy utilization in India.

b) Research Design: When deciding for research design, I have considered some relevant factors that include whether the research design address and provide reasonable answer to the problem. For present research study, I plan to use an intensive design because investigation of Solar Energy in Indian setting is dependent on document studies. My major approach for research design is explanatory that examines the issue thoroughly and provides authentic outcomes. By choosing this design, I can present valid answer to questions raised for specific research. Secondary resources are needed for the research that include diverse literature resource on usability of Solar Power in India, access to computer and Internet for further research and phone or video conferencing facility.

c) Proposed Work Plan: Time Scale

d) Ethical Issues: There is a moral debate on establishing solar project on agricultural land. Ground-mounted panels move with the sun to capture direct rays. Environmentalists voiced great concerned that this land is home to various plants and animals that may be in trouble when such projects are installed. Majority of Solar projects in the deserts of the country heightened controversy because there is harmful impact on local habitats and species. In this research study,

I will consider numerous ethical issues in data collection that leads to success of project. Major emphasis will be given to the participant privacy and they all have the right to decline any query. Further, this research will not produce any detrimental effect to environment as well as participants (Saunders et al, 2007). The study will not place its participants to distress or unpleasant situations. The data collected from the participants will maintain confidentiality and to be utilized to analyse information.

e) Limitations: I may face numerous obstacles for conducting research for the Solar Energy use in India. There is a lack of access to authentic resource material, for example books, journals, technical documents. Another problem with data collection is lack of support from management team of industry for interview. Governmental organizations like renewable energies organization also do not provide support to collect reliable data. Other problem is lack of primary data. I will investigate facts about Solar Power on secondary data only.

Proposed Data Handling and Analysis

Data collection is a process of collecting relevant information through statistical means for the topic of research. It is a vital step in research after developing research questions and setting principles for the research issue. For gathering reliable data, I must have to be good observer and have acumen to understand various aspects of research problems and strong interpersonal skills.(Gagnon, 2010) In the present study, proposed data technique will be a qualitative method to investigate uses of Solar Power in India. A qualitative research method includes questionnaire, open individual interview, group interviewees, observation and a document study. I will mostly use secondary research from internet, case studies, newspapers, periodicals and yearly reports. From these sources I can obtain numerical data, financial figures and common information on the history, situation and market of Solar Power in India.

Sample and Data Collection: I will gather data from subjects who are working in different MNC’s. Questionnaires will be distributed to clients during regularly scheduled day and open individual interview will be taken. To be included in the study, students must be at least 18 years of age. All subjects will be informed in writing that completing the questionnaire was unidentified.

Tools and Devices: A self-administered web based questionnaire containing of ten questions minimum will be developed to gather information regarding the feasibility of Solar Energy in India. The Delphi survey technique will be designed to cover participant’s demographic properties and then questioning of Delphi statements.(Landeta, 1999) The forethought period will ascertain from today to 2030. The survey will be structured and functionally designed as a web-based, flexible, scalable, and analysable format which had a user-friendly interface. The research constructs include technology constraints and benefits, economic factors, geographical conditions of India, demographic information and rural advancement.

Data Analysis: The data collected for this study will be analysed using MS Excel and Word.

Conclusion

To encapsulate, this research study will appraise the practical approach of Solar Energy in many sectors of India. To conduct the research, I will focus on the technical and geographical features of Solar Power use in India. It can be demonstrated through reviewing vast amount of literature that Solar Power as a renewable source of energy is beneficial for the Indian geographical conditions. It can be easily accessible and there are plentiful of sunlight in India. Solar Power can have a promising future prospect in India.