Energy from the Sun

Workshop

Introduction to Solar Energy

Review: Atomic Structure

• Three particles
• Nucleus
• Electrostatic Force
• Strong nuclear force
Radiant Energy
Variances in Solar Radiation
Average Daily Solar Insolation Per Month
Major Uses of Solar Energy

oDaylight
oDrying Agricultural Products
oSpace Heating
oHeating Water
oGenerating Electrical Power
oConcentrating Solar Power
oPhotovoltaics
Daylighting
Daylighting
Drying Agricultural Products
Space Heating Through Passive Solar
Passive Solar
Active Solar Heating
Solar Collector

• Glass on outside
• Absorbent on inside
• Circulating Fluid
Generating Electrical Power
• Concentrating Solar • Photovoltaics
Power – Small-scale (buildings)
– Trough systems kW production
– Power towers – Large-scale (utilities)
MW production
• Heat exchanger plus
steam turbine • Photoelectric effect
Concentrating Solar Power
Power Tower
How a Power Tower Works
Photovoltaics
Solar Utility Installations in California
Demand Response (www.caiso.com)
Load Balancing and the Grid
For More Information

If you have questions, we have answers:

• www.need.org – our website
• info@need.org – questions about NEED
• cturrel@need.org – questions about this
workshop
• 1-800-875-5029 – NEED main office phone
number