SOLAR POWER

Thought the average distance from the Sun to the Earth is 149,6 million km, the sun beams supply large amount of energy from many years. Total power of the sun radiation is 3,83?1020 MW and surly will not change for 6 billion years. During the one second suns beans carry through the space 1360J of energy per one square meter to the higher atmospheric layer of the earth. The earth atmosphere eliminate some of spectre and change the radiation strength thus the maximum of energy stream density on the earth surface is 1kW/m2 (for subtropical areas). In the EU, potential penetration of photovoltaic systems (see chapter 2.2.2.2.) is from 65 to 125 GW in 2020 and from 300 to 665 GW in 2030. Potential of the CSP systems (see chapter 2.2.2.2.) is much lower and is about 1,8 GW in 2020 and 4,6 GW in 2030. The sun radiation energy comprises from ultraviolet in 9%, visible radiation in 44% and infra-red radiation in 47% of total energy. The amount of energy penetrate on the earth surface depends from latitude and from the level of clouded. The most sun-kissed area of the earth is between 30° of south and 30° of north latitude. For that spread in the winter time the radiation energy is approximately 20% lower than in the summer time because the days are shorter and the angle of radiation is lower. Therefore as nearer the equator the investment is more profitable. Therefore the best conditions for solar power plant are in Africa, southern Asia, southern Europe, South America and southern part of North America. Sun beams energy can be capture and convert on two other types of energy: warm energy and electrical energy. The first one (solar thermal system) is definitely easer and cheaper to get but more needed for humanity is second one (photovoltaic system). The photovoltaic effect is the electrical potential generated between two different materials. That effect was discovered in 1839 in Bell Laboratory in USA and in 1954 the first photovoltaic cell was constructed. That was single-crystalline silicon cell with diffusion p-n junction.[3], [9], [12]

SOLAR TECHNOLOGY

Solar technology is divided on three main types: photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar thermal power (CSP), and thermal collectors. From these three groups of technology only PV directly converts radiation energy on electricity. The CSP converts radiation energy on warm, which may be used for heat or in Rankin circulation for produce electric energy. The last one group are used only for heat.

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