Introduction to Solar Energy

Question 2

What is the main energy source in our earth?

Answer 2

Sun radiation

Question 3

Till now, there is no appreciable direct conversion path from the solar
radiation to the human consumption. This is because:

Answer 3

● There is no efficient conversion machine till now,
● The solar radiation has a low density,
● The solar power is not constant. It varies daily, from season to season, and
also from place to place on the earth

Question 4

What are the classification of solar energy?

Answer 4

Active Solar and Passive Solar

Question 5

What type of solar energy use mechanical or electrical components, such as pumps, fans, or
photovoltaic cells, to collect, store, and distribute solar energy?

Answer 5

Active Solar

Question 6

What type of Solar Energy do not involve mechanical or electrical components; instead, they
rely on architectural design, building materials, and natural heat transfer
processes to capture and use solar energy.

Answer 6

Passive Solar

Question 7

What are the parts of a general photovoltaic system?

Answer 7

1. PV Array
2. Battery Storage
3. Power conditionaning Circuits

Question 8

What is the basic element in the PV generator?

Answer 8

solar cell

Question 9

What are the common made mistakes in selection of the mounting structures?

Answer 9

1. Durability of the design
2. Tilt angle - changes as the position of the sun varies every month
3. Orientation
4. PV array shading - PV arrays to be installed at a suitable location without any
   difficulties

Question 10

What are the PV System Cost Factors?

Answer 10

1. Grid Connection
2. Distances to nearest utility grid
3. Solar Resource
4. BOS tracking
5. Type of installation mounting, size and space

Question 11

What are the types of photovoltaic system?

Answer 11

There are three main types of solar PV systems: grid-tied, hybrid and off-grid.

Question 12

When to use on grid solar system?

Answer 12

An on-grid solar system or grid tied, is a solar PV system which connects directly
to the National Grid. This kind of Solar PV System is the most common amongst home and business owners. This type of system is perfect for someone who is aleady connected to the Grid, yet wants to reduce their carbon footprint and
energy bills.

Question 13

When to use Hybrid Solar System?

Answer 13

Hybrid Solar systems combine the technology of Solar Panels and Solar batteries to create a green energy solution which provides a back-up supply of energy. Although a hybrid PV system remains connected to the National Grid, any solar energy generated is first stored in a home battery solution before going to the
grid.