What is solar energy?

Solar energy is a type of renewable energy that can be produced from the sun's radiation in the form of sunlight, which provides both light energy and heat energy. Solar energy is considered a clean renewable energy that does not cause pollution or affect the environment. It is also a high potential energy source that never runs out and can be used for a variety of purposes, mainly in the production of electricity and the production of heat energy.

3 solar power systems for generating electricity

• Photovoltaic (PV) Stand Alone System

  It is a power generation system designed for use in remote areas or areas where there is no electricity transmission system of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand or the national electricity grid. The important equipment used in the production of electricity in the form of independent solar cells consists of 4 main parts: solar panels, batteries, battery charge controllers, and equipment for converting direct current into independent alternating current.

• Photovoltaic (PV) Grid Connected System

  It is a solar power generation system that is connected to the distribution system. It is popularly used in urban areas or areas with access to an electricity distribution system. Important equipment used in this form of electricity generation includes solar panels and equipment to convert DC power to AC power that is connected to the electricity distribution system. When there is excess energy, the system will distribute electricity to the national electricity grid to sell electricity to the government or related operators.

• Photovoltaic (PV) Hybrid System

  It is a solar cell power generation system that works together with other power generation devices for specific purposes, such as solar cell systems with wind power and hydroelectric power, solar cell systems with wind power and diesel engines, etc.

Solar energy technology for heat generation

• Solar hot water production

  Solar hot water production can be divided into 3 types:
  • Natural circulation hot water production is a hot water production that uses the principle of natural circulation, where the storage tank is located higher than the solar panels.
  • Hot water production using circulating pumps is suitable for producing hot water in large quantities and continuously.
  • Hybrid hot water production is a hot water production technology that is installed in conjunction with other systems such as air conditioners, which utilizes the waste heat from cooling the chiller through heat exchange devices.

• Solar drying

  There are currently three types of solar drying:
  • Active drying is a drying system that is installed with a device that allows air to flow in the desired direction to force air flow through the system.
  • Passive drying is a drying system that works by using solar energy and passing air currents to help evaporate moisture from materials.
  • Hybrid drying is a drying system that uses solar energy together with other forms of energy such as biomass and electrical energy to help the system work during uneven sunlight conditions.

Application of solar energy

Solar energy can be applied in many different ways, such as:

• Improving sanitation, such as disinfecting water-borne pathogens in remote or impoverished areas by exposing water to direct sunlight.
• Development of alternative fuels, such as the cultivation of certain types of algae to produce biofuels by increasing the oxygen in water.
• Consumption utilities such as installing solar-powered water pumps to distribute clean water for consumption.
• Agricultural development, such as installing solar power systems to pump water into fields
• Household consumption, such as generating electricity using solar panels on the roof of the house for personal use and then connecting it to the transmission line of a central electricity producer to sell the surplus to the central producer.

Advantages of solar energy

• Solar energy is a free energy source and a natural energy that never runs out. It can be produced anywhere on Earth as long as there is sunlight.
• It can be used in a variety of applications, such as generating electricity or heat. In the production, processing and use of solar energy, it does not cause environmental impacts like other energy sources.
• It can be used to produce electricity of all sizes, from small to large scale such as power plants.
• Easier to deploy than other forms of energy. Just install solar panels on your roof and you can generate your own electricity for your household, which can significantly save on your electricity bill. The excess can be sold to the government or business owners.
• Low maintenance costs: Solar power systems typically have a lifespan of 20-25 years and require very little maintenance and repair costs.

Disadvantages of solar energy

• The yield is inconsistent due to weather conditions and the sun not shining all the time.
• There are limitations in distributing to areas far from the production base because it still takes time and budget to develop an efficient transmission system.
• The intensity of solar energy may not be high, so if you need a lot of energy, you will need a lot of solar panels and installation space.