Solar energy technologies are diverse and continually evolving, offering a range of benefits and applications. Among the various types of solar energy technologies, photovoltaic cells, concentrated solar power, and passive solar design stand out.
Emerging solar technologies are pushing the boundaries of what solar energy can achieve. These innovations are expanding the applications of solar energy and improving its efficiency and accessibility. Solar desalination uses solar energy to convert seawater into freshwater.
The following are the most common combinations of hybrid solar energy technologies: Solar and wind power: Hybrid solar-wind systems can use wind turbines and solar panels to generate electricity. In this way, the wind turbines can continue to generate energy during the night or on cloudy days.
An array of techniques is used to convert the Sun’s energy into electricity, including solar collectors and photovoltaic panels. Technologies related to solar photovoltaic panels and concentrated solar power also described its applications in various disciplines.
Solar thermal energy systems can be at low or high temperatures. Low-temperature systems are used to heat water for domestic use, while high- temperature systems are used to generate electricity. Concentrated solar power is a type of high-temperature solar thermal power.
However, Alessandro Battaglia obtained the first patent in 1886, and in 1929, Dr. R.H. Goddard created a solar power system using a mirror dish 6. As it currently stands, there are four types of concentrated solar technologies that exist. These are the parabolic trough, dish, concentrating linear Fresnel reflector, and solar power tower.