This book on solar energy applications presents a broad overview on various aspects and applications of this renewable source of energy. It provides evidences of high thermal efficiency of the gravitational draught using concentrated solar heating, new technologies of generating organic fuels using solar heating, new sorts of photovoltaic cells, long term application of thermal solar power plants, the efficiency of thermal storage and solar power utilization in Niger. The readers will find the accompanying illustrations and pictures as a pleasing experience which will ease the text assimilation and make it an attractive source of information.

The various applications of solar cells are described in this insightful book. Since the last decade, photovoltaic (PV) technology has shown the capability to become an extensive source of power generation for the world - with continuous and powerful growth even during times of financial and economic crisis. This growth is believed to continue in the years ahead as the awareness of the benefits of PV expands worldwide. This book discusses a wide range of modern research issues in solar cell physics and technology areas. The already established 1st generation silicon solar cell technology, the 2nd generation thin film and the 3rd generation dye sensitized solar cells, including new technologies are discussed in this book.

Solar power is fundamentally described as the power obtained by harnessing the energy of the sun's rays. This book presents researches conducted by prominent experts related to various topics regarding solar power. Topics ranging from new methods of analysis of solar irradiance to the techniques of production regarding photovoltaic cells are covered within the book. It also discusses biotechnology that depends on solar energy and electricity generation aboard space vehicles. This book provides a broad overview of various facets of solar power and will be helpful for readers interested in this field.

A comprehensive depository of all information relating to the scientific and technological aspects of Shale Gas and Alternative Energy Conveniently arranged by energy type including Shale Gas, Wind, Geothermal, Solar, and Hydropower Perfect first-stop reference for any scientist, engineer, or student looking for practical and applied energy information Emphasizes practical applications of existing technologies, from design and maintenance, to operating and troubleshooting of energy systems and equipment Features concise yet complete entries, making it easy for users to find the required information quickly, without the need to search through long articles

Solar Energy Conversion and Photoenergy Systems theme in two volumes is a component of Encyclopedia of Energy Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty Encyclopedias. Any human activity needs energy and renewable energies are always present all over the world. Each location has its own specific renewable potential and it is our task to develop the suitable technologies to profit, at local level, this potential to not only produce the needed energy but also create economic activity and wealth. Solar energy, in particular, has the highest potential among all existing renewable energies and, in the context of the energy, water and climate change global problems mankind will face in the coming years, the substantial integration of solar energy technologies into our societies will an absolute needs in the short to medium term. The number of applications of solar energy is simply huge, covering a very wide range of human activities. Some of these applications are already technically and economically viable, being others still at research or demonstration level. In addition, it has been demonstrated the important benefits solar energy can provide to any area with medium-high solar irradiation level: from sustainability to energy independence, as well as economic development and knowledge creation. Due to this, solar energy development, from photovoltaic to solar thermal or power applications, has been very intense during the last years in all the, so called, “Sun Belt”. There is also the general consensus, at many countries, that we should accelerate the current solar energy pathway, increasing the research efforts to make economically feasible the applications that today are only technically feasible. This effort and the status of most of these applications have been discussed along this paper and within the articles of the topic. The Theme on Solar Energy Conversion and Photoenergy Systems with contributions from distinguished experts in the field, discusses solar energy related technologies and applications, some of which are already in commercial and practical applications and others are under research and testing level. The volumes provide an analysis and discussion about the reasons behind the current efforts of our society, considering both developed and developing countries, to accelerate the introduction of the huge solar energy potential into our normal daily lives. The two volumes also provide some basic information about the solar energy potential, history and the amazing trip of a photon from its creation in the Sun until its arrival to the Earth. These two volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College Students Educators, Professional Practitioners, Research Personnel and Policy Analysts, Managers, and Decision Makers, NGOs and GOs.

The need of the hour is a global shift to alternative clean energy. This book encompasses wind energy, biofuels, solar energy, hybrid systems, energy management and efficacy, enhancement of renewable energy systems, etc. It also presents the technical and physical principles of better methods of using renewable energies. Important data and parameter sets are provided in this book for bigger possibilities of usage of renewable energies which allows an economic and environmental evaluation. Such an examination allows us to judge the boundaries and chances of the several options utilizing renewable energy sources. The aim of this book is to present useful insights into the modeling and improvement of distinct renewable systems and serve as a useful guide for students, researchers as well as people engaged in the field of renewable energy systems.