Abstract
Solar energy has existed for millions of years and has been used by many non-living and living things for physical, chemical and biological changes and processes. For generation after generation, solar energy has been the main source of daily energy in many ways. The start of human modernity and civilization changed the utilization of solar energy. Previous human civilizations utilized solar energy for lighting, food drying and personal care. Modern humans utilize solar energy for everyday existence, work purposes and generally for living. As human demand for modern energy supply increases, attention to solar energy becomes more intense. Because of the increasing population, demand for better comfort, urbanization and industrialization, the pressure on conventional energy sources is increasing. The rapid increase of energy demand rattles the chain of energy supply which has difficulty in meeting the rapid rise in energy demand. This rapid demand not only makes the world more volatile in terms of energy politics but also accentuates the environmental hazards associated with emission of greenhouse gases, particularly from chemical processes involved in utilizing the thermal energy obtained from conventional energy sources. Consequently there are active plans to utilize solar energy for different processes to minimize energy demand from conventional energy supply sources. Conventional energy supplies are based on fossil fuel or carbon-based energy sources, based on the liberation of stored energy through combustion. Through combustion processes or chemical processes, thermal energy is generated. At the same time, radiant energy or solar energy is an available energy which can be used as replacement for the energy liberated/generated during combustion processes. Therefore, several methods, concepts and ideas are being pursued to maximize the utilization of solar energy as an alternative form of energy to minimize the usage of carbon-based energy sources. This chapter introduces the concept of solar energy and its applications as alternatives for conventional energy supply and demand.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
