Unit 1………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Understanding of Solar Energy
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Energy crisis and alternatives
1.3 Solar energy: a good option/alternative
1.4 Nature of Solar Radiations
1.5 Spectral distribution of solar radiation
1.6 Geographical distribution
1.7 Measurement of Solar Radiation
1.8 Basic underlying principles for solar energy conversion
Unit 2………………………………………………………………………………………. 24
Solar to Thermal Energy Conversion
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Conversion of Solar Energy to Thermal Energy
2.3 Types of Collectors
2.4 Flat plate collector
2.5 Liquid flat plate collector
2.6 Evacuated Tube Collector (ETC)
2.7 Solar Cooker
2.8 Solar distillation
Unit 3………………………………………………………………………………………. 42
Solar to Electrical Energy Conversion
3.1 Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic
3.2 Use of Semiconductor material for Photovoltaic conversion
3.3 Solar cell
3.4 Cells- modules-panels-arrays
3.5 Series and Parallel Connections of Solar modules and their I-V characteristics
3.6 Types of solar modules                                                                                                                                                                              3.7 Basic Photo voltaic system for power production (generation)
3.8 Solar roof panels
3.9 Merits and demerits of photovoltaic solar energy conversion
Unit 4………………………………………………………………………………………. 64
Solar Photovoltaic Applications
4.1 Standalone system
4.2 Solar lanterns
4.3 Solar Street Light
4.4 Grid connected system
4.5 Energy meters
4.6 Earthing
4.7 Lightning arresters