Solar power energy is a type of renewable energy source that is good for the environment and the term solar energy is generally used to refer to methods of collecting light and making it into a useful form of energy. As more people realize the benefits of using renewable energy. Solar energy has become the biggest renewable energy source in Australia in the past few years, and REA solar is dedicated to increasing this number in the coming years. Like other renewable energy sources, solar energy has its fair share of pros and cons for both commercial and residential systems but the various types of solar power energy can demonstrate the range and benefits we can expect from these forms of renewable energy sources.

Photovoltaic Solar Energy

Photovoltaic solar energy or PV solar is one of the most popular types of solar power energy systems available in the market. Typically a solar cell makes up a photovoltaic panel that converts light directly into electricity. A group of photovoltaic panels connected together with the required number of kits to convert sunlight into electrical energy is called a solar cell system. Its first known application was in space during the space race in the 1950s to the 70s before becoming commonplace on devices such as calculators and watches and finally finding its spot in our homes. The convenience of having power without a connection to the electric grid made it a very popular option when it comes to renewable energy.

As costs have fallen and efficiencies of PV materials have risen, the price of installing photovoltaic solar power cells has dropped dramatically as a result of government incentives and support that has seen the level of solar development soar. As a result, further development of different types of silicon cells made them more efficient in producing power and have become more versatile, and thinner. We can now see solar technology used for roof tiles and in other more innovative applications. More houses now benefit from clean renewable energy from the sun.

Photovoltaic solar has now reached a point where without government subsidy it can compete with the retail cost of electricity and energy generated in excess of local home demand can be exported to the grid system and used elsewhere.

Concentrated Solar Power Energy

Concentrated Solar Power Energy or also called CSP uses mirrors and lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a receiver.  The sunlight is focused on the central point with a fluid-like oil flowing in it. The sunlight will heat up the oil to around 752F, hot enough to heat up oil or water and make high-pressure steam that can turn a turbine and generate electricity.

CSP can only work in direct sunlight. The mirror is placed on a supporting angle that turns and follows the sun as it moves throughout the day, The complexity and cost of operating CSP limits it to only areas benefiting from a sunlight-rich environment with clear skies like the one in Newcastle, Australia.

Concentrated Solar Power Energy can trace its origin to Sicily in the time of the great Hellenistic Greek mathematician Archimedes when he first made his burning glass which many may argue may be a myth. The first recorded application of CSP was in 1866 by AugusteMouchot who made the first solar steam engine using parabolic troughs. But, Alessandro Battaglia got the first patent in 1886, by early 1929, Dr. Goddard created the first solar power system using a mirror dish. As technology advanced so did CSP and we currently have four types of concentrated solar technologies that exist today, these are the solar tower, Fresnel reflector, Dish, and Parabolic Trough

Concentrated Solar Power Energy best suits those countries that see extremely high levels of sunlight. Spain has the largest capacity of 2,300MW, followed by the United States with 1,700MW and South Africa with 400MW.

Solar Thermal Energy

Solar Thermal Energy utilizes sunlight to collect solar energy. To heat water to produce electricity, liquid flows through tubes and collects the sun’s energy-producing steam. The steam will be converted into mechanical energy inside the turbine, which will power the generator to produce electricity. Solar thermal power systems have tracking systems that keep sunlight focused on the receiver throughout the day as the sun changes position in the sky just like how a CSP tracks the sun.

Solar Thermal Energy if compared to Photovoltaic Solar Energy would have a big difference when it comes to space efficiencies. Solar thermal energy can offer as much as 75% more efficient energy when it comes to collecting heat. One more advantage of it is its technology which is less complex and makes it ideal for heating up water, houses, and pools. One big problem faced by this thermal solar energy was the transfer of heat from the sun. Creative minds tried many fluids, including oil and sodium, but molten salt proved the best option and it is cost-effective and works perfectly with the steam turbines we use today.

The largest solar thermal power plant in Morocco has a capacity of 520MW. Due to the way it works solar thermal systems can reach an extremely high temperature like the one in French Pyrenees which creates heat up to 3,600F