ABSTRACT
382Energy is an indispensable need for the mankind. Most of the methods used for energy conversion utilize fossil fuel as the primary energy source. This phenomenon associates with greenhouse gas emission responsible for ozone layer depletion and global warming. Clean energy technologies offer an alternative solution, among which solar energy has the potential to play a pivotal role for the sustainable development. The heat and light received from the sun are referred to as solar energy. In this chapter, a comprehensive analysis of the utilization of solar energy as a natural resource, along with the fundamental principles, is done. Solar energy is converted into usable energy through conversion processes, that is, solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal energy conversion. Solar energy can be converted into electricity by using photovoltaic effect in solar cells. Different types of solar cells are currently present, which are used on variety of applications. Owing to its modularity, solar PV energy can be used in various applications, including electricity generation in power plants; buildings; transport sector; rural electrification; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); refrigeration; water pumping for irrigation; telecommunications; and space industry. Solar thermal energy is collected using different types of collector available, for example, flat-plate collector and concentrating collector, and can be used for numerous applications. These include electricity generation in power plants, HVAC, refrigeration, water heating, room heating, passive heating, and cooling industrial process heat, drying, and cooking. Solar energy paved ways of rural development in many underdeveloped and developing countries, where social entrepreneur organizations utilized solar energy to improve the livelihood of people living in rural areas. Solar home systems, solar mini grid, and solar PV-powered water irrigation pumps are the most common projects having great socioeconomic impact.
