Energy resources solar

FIGURE 1.2 Geographic distribution of U.S. sustainable energy resources Solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal. SOURCE Presented by John Turner, National Renewable Energy Laboratory. 

Finally, the use of renewable energy resources (solar, wind, and geothermal), in place of fossil fuels, as the energy supply to further minimize energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, is an additional option under investigation for membrane-based desalination [26]. 

The use of solar cells is rapidly expanding because they provide a sustainable energy resource. Solar cells can t5rpically be categorized into two types based on the light absorbing material used, i.e., bulk or wafer-based solar cells and thin film solar cells. 

The discovery of chemical N2 fixation under ambient conditions is more compatible with a simple, complementary, low temperature and low pressure system, possibly operated electrochemically and driven by a renewable energy resource (qv), such as solar, wind, or water power, or other off-peak electrical power, located near or in irrigation streams. Such systems might produce and apply ammonia continuously, eg, directly in the rice paddy, or store it as an increasingly concentrated ammoniacal solution for later appHcation. In fact, the Birkeland-Eyde process of N2 oxidation in an electric arc has been... 

The fact that solar energy is an intermittent energy resource means that energy storage systems (e.g., batteries, ultracapacitors, flywheels, and even hydrogen) will be required if solar energy is to be utilized widely. In addition, a variety of toxic chemicals are used in the manufacture of PV cells however, studies of the risks associated with their manufacture and disposal indicate little threat to surroundings and the environment. 

Elliot D. L. Holladay, C. G. Barchet, W. R. Foote, H. P. and Sandusky, W. F. (1987). Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the United States, DOE/CH 10093—4, Golden, CO Solar Energy Research Institute . 

Solar energy is the most abundant permanent energy resource on Earth and it is available for use in its direct (solar radiation) and indirect (wind, biomass, hydro, ocean, etc.) forms. The total annual solar radiation falling on the Earth is more than... 

Hydrogen is of interest as a means to deliver gaseous fuel from non-fossil primary energy resources such as nuclear reactors, or high temperature solar collectors. It is believed that hydrogen may phase into the energy market at such a time when fossil-based fuels either become too expensive or environmentally unsatisfactory. Hydrogen and biomass are the only two potentially visible options at the present time for the gas industry if that does take place. 

Sunlight in the near infrared, visible, and near ultraviolet regions possesses considerable energy utilization of this through photochemical reactions could make a considerable contribution to energy resources. Sinoe biosynthesis itself is relatively inefficient 111 conversion of solar energy, emphasis has been placed upon the fabrication of artificial photochemical systems. One of the more promising approaches has involved application of photoelectric chemical cells or catalysts of semiconductor materials. 

To put solar energy into perspective, one should review other energy resources as well. Fortunately, throughout this encyclopedia, such energy information is available. See list of articles at end of this description and also consult alphabetical index. 

Remarkable efforts have been directed to photocatalytic fuel production from sunshine and water for creating energy resources, and now UV light cleavage of water for fuel production is possible. However, conversion of solar visible light to fuels is still under way, and further concentrated researches in this direction are strongly desired. Conversion of solar energy into electricity has been attained by a sensitized TiOz thin layer solar cell to reach nearly 10% efficiency, comparable to that obtained by the amorphous silicone solid cell. This is an important achievement in photocataiysis. 

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