Section 2: - Introduction to Solar Energy

What is Solar Energy?

• • Energy is defined as “the ability to do work”

  • Solar energy is radiant energy produced by the sun from a process called nuclear fusion

  • Solar energy is a renewable energy. (Renewable energy describes energy sources that do not deplete the Earth’s natural resources and do not create added waste products)

  • Solar energy is a sustainable energy. (Sustainable energy is the provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs)

Why Use Solar Enegy?

Solar energy enjoys many environmental and economic advantages over other forms of energy currently used.

These would include:

Environmentally Friendly

• • Non-polluting: Solar hot water generation produces no em issions

• Non-consumptive: The suns radiation is a limitless resource

• Going ‘Green’ for commercial project has now become a PR advantage

Economically Beneficial

• • Cost effective: Free energy source

• • Immediate and permanent savings

  • Technological advancements: Improvement in solar technologies offer reduced costs and greater efficiency

Easily Accessible

• Security: The price of solar energy does not fluctuate

• Already distributed: There are no expensive transportation costs for solar energy because the sun shines everywhere

Legislation

• • EU and Irish

When & Where is Solar Not Appropriate?

Geographical Location

• • Extreme high latitudes

Physical Location

• • North facing properties/installations

• Significant over-shadowing (e.g. in forest, mountains or small building in amongst lots of high rise buildings)

Non-Consumption During Peak Periods

• • E.g. Any building with a considerable reduction in hot water demand during the summer months

Insufficient Room for Water Storage