Solar energy is the most readily available source of energy. It does not belong to anybody and is, therefore, free. It is also the most important of the non-conventional sources of energy because it is non-polluting and, therefore, helps in lessening the greenhouse effect. Solar panels absorb the energy of the sun to provide heat for cooking and for heating water. Such systems are available in the market and are being used in homes and factories.

Solar energy can also be used to meet our electricity requirements.

Through Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) cells, solar radiation gets

converted into DC electricity directly. This electricity can either be used as it is or can be stored in the battery. This stored electrical

energy then can be used at night. SPV can be used for a number of

applications such as:
 

a. Domestic lighting
b. Street lighting
c. Village electrification
d. Water pumping
e. Desalination of salty water

f. Powering of remote telecommunication repeater stations
g. Railway signals.

                                                           solar calculator

    We can see the solar panel in the top right corner in the picture. This is the panel which receives solar energy and the calculator is powe

                      solar cooker

                             solar water heat

                     the solar heat is stored in the panel and is used in traffic signal

                                  solar car

                solar rickshaw