http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 29 editor@iaeme.com

International Journal of Management (IJM)

Volume 6, Issue 9, Sep 2015, pp. 29-43, Article ID: IJM_06_09_004

Available online at

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/issues.asp?JTypeIJM&VType=6&IType=9

ISSN Print: 0976-6502 and ISSN Online: 0976-6510

© IAEME Publication

___________________________________________________________________________

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY: A SPECIAL

REFERENCE TO SOLAR ENERGY

M.R. KOLHE B.E (Elect), M.B.A.

Research Student (Ph.D)

R.T.M. Nagpur University,

Nagpur India

Dr. P.G. KHOT

Prof. Dept of Statistics

R.T.M. Nagpur University

Nagpur India

ABSTRACT

Alternative energy, simply means energy that is produced from sources

other than our primary energy supply: fossil fuels. Coal, oil and natural gas

are the three kinds of fossil fuels that we have mostly depended on for our

energy needs, from home heating and electricity to fuel for our industries,

automobiles and mass transportation.

The fossil fuels are of non-renewable nature. They are limited in supply

and will one day they will be depleted. There is no escape from this

conclusion. Fossil fuels formed from plants and animals that lived hundreds of

millions of years ago and became buried underneath the Earth’s surface

where their remains collectively transformed into the combustible materials

that we use for fuel. In fact, the earliest known fossil fuel deposits are from the

Cambrian Period about 500 million years ago, way before the dinosaurs

emerged onto the scene. This is when most of the major groups of animals first

appeared on Earth. The later fossil fuels which provide more substandard

fuels like peat or lignite coal (soft coal) began forming as late as five million

years ago in the Pliocene Period. There is no doubt that at our current rate of

consumption, these fuels cannot occur fast enough to meet our current or

future energy demands. Fossil fuel, along with nuclear energy a controversial,

non-renewable energy source is supplying 93% of the world’s energy

resources. The rest, 7% of the world’s energy needs, are supplied by

alternative energy sources — more appropriately called renewables.

Every day, the world produces carbon dioxide by using of fossil fuels that

is released to the earth’s atmosphere and which will still be there in next one

hundred years time. This increased content of Carbon Dioxide increases the

warmth of our planet and is the main cause of the so called “Global Warming

M.R. KOLHE and Dr. P.G. KHOT

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 30 editor@iaeme.com

Effect”. One answer to global warming is to replace and retrofit current

technologies with alternatives that have comparable or better performance,

but do not emit carbon dioxide. We call this Alternative energy.

It is expected that by 2050, one-third of the world's energy will need to

come from solar, wind, and other renewable resources. Climate change,

population growth, and fossil fuel depletion mean that renewables will need to

play a bigger role in the future than they do today.

Alternative energy refers to energy sources that have no undesired

consequences such for example fossil fuels or nuclear energy. Alternative

energy sources are renewable and are thought to be "free" energy sources.

They all have lower carbon emissions, compared to conventional energy

sources. These include Biomass Energy, Wind Energy, Solar Energy,

Geothermal Energy, Hydroelectric Energy sources. Combined with the use of

recycling, the use of clean alternative energies such as the home use of solar

power systems will help ensure man's survival into the 21st century and

beyond.

In this paper, the stress has been given on the future of fossil fuel which

are at diminishing stage and their replacement by renewable energy sources

and their limitations.

Key words: Global warming, Energy Sources, Nuclear Energy, Transition

Energy, Solar photovoltaic, Green Energy.

Cite this Article: M.R. Kolhe and Dr. P.G. Khot. Alternative Energy: A

Special Reference to Solar Energy, International Journal of Management, 6(9),

2015, pp. 29-43.

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/issues.asp?JTypeIJM&VType=6&IType=9

1. INTRODUCTION

Now Fossil fuels exist, and they provide valuable services. It’s not so much that we

use fossil fuels for energy that is problematic, but it’s the side effects of using them

that causes all of the problems. Burning fossil fuels creates carbon dioxide, the

number one greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Combustion of these

fossil fuels is considered to be the largest contributing factor to the release of

greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In the 20th century, the average temperature of

Earth rose by 1 °F. This period saw the most prolific population growth and industrial

development which was and remains totally dependent on the use of fossil fuel

energy — in Earth’s history.

The impact of global warming on the environment is extensive and affects many

areas. In the Arctic and Antarctica, warmer temperatures are causing the ice to melt

which will increase sea level and change the composition of the surrounding sea

water. Rising sea levels alone can impede processes ranging from settlement,

agriculture and fishing both commercially and recreationally. Air pollution is also a

direct result of the use of fossil fuels, resulting in smog and the degradation of human

health and plant growth. There are also the great dangers posed to natural ecosystems

that result from collecting fossil fuels, particularly coal and oil. Oil spills have

devastated ecosystems and coal mining has stripped lands of their vitality.

Alternative Energy: A Special Reference To Solar Energy

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 31 editor@iaeme.com

As demand increases, the production of fossil fuels is further expected to rise,

approximately doubling the amount of use of each fossil fuel. As world population

continues to grow and the limited amount of fossil fuels begins to diminish, it may not

be possible to provide the amount of energy demanded by the world by only using

fossil fuels to convert energy. There are plenty of ways to convert energy without

fossil fuels, and many of are being used, but not nearly to their full potential.

Countries must take action to promote a greater use of renewable & other energy

resources, such as Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass, geothermal energy or nuclear power,

so that we can be well prepared when the supplies of fossil fuels are not as plentiful as

they seem today.

2. ENERGY SOURCES

2.1. Non-Renewable Energy

The world is addicted to cheap, readily available resources like, coal, oil, gas but they

are polluting energy sources and exist in finite amounts. When the nation's energy of

choice is fossil fuel, nuclear energy or a combination of both, it is a deadly addiction.

History will repeat itself in the convulsions of war, starvation and political upheavals

when the current cheap supplies start dwindling, unless we prepare now for a future

based on new energy systems.

Back in the 1960s, predictions that the United States would have pumped over

half of its total supply of oil by the 1970's met with stiff opposition from the energy

dealers and by governments buoyed up by fuel profits. They were wrong, the U.S. is

now well past its halfway point in consuming its inexpensive oil reserves. Nuclear

energy was touted as an unlimited panacea, destined to be so cheap the electric

companies wouldn't even put meters on houses. Conventional oil is running out, and

we now know nuclear fuel is quite limited in supply as well.

Burning fossil fuel or splitting atoms to power a car or boil water is like throwing

antique furniture into your fireplace in order to heat your house. It wastes precious

resources better suited to producing new materials or diagnosing medical conditions

to improve health, rather than pouring it into gas-guzzling automobile engines or

M.R. KOLHE and Dr. P.G. KHOT

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 32 editor@iaeme.com

electric power plants that degrade the environment. But what choices do we have?

Yes, the choice is replacing them by renewables.

Fossil fuel phase out is the proposed energy transition beyond fossil fuels

through multiple means, including transport electrification, decommissioning of

operating fossil fuel-fired power plants and prevention of the construction of new

fossil-fuel-fired power stations. Its purpose is to reduce air pollution, mining

tragedies, and greenhouse which cause climate change. A move to the many forms

of renewable energy is involved in shifting away from fossil fuels.

2.2. Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is beneficial, if used in the right manner and its scope utilised to the

fullest. However, there is a great deal of radiation danger associated with Nuclear

energy. It is capable of causing genetic disorders, thus once exposed, can affect

generations to come adversely. Another drawback is the storage of nuclear wastes, as

it too can lead to disastrous effects if not disposed or stored in the right manner. A

well known nuclear disaster was the attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United

States during World War II. An experiment, as described by some, was a grave event

in the history of nuclear energy and its effects. It was the first of its kind. Another

infamous event is the Chernobyl disaster. Although an accident, it made the world

realize that controlling such a potentially great power is not entirely in our hands. The

accident happened during a test in a nuclear power plant. The extent of damage was

controlled as the plant was shut down immediately, and the residents relocated.

The most recent nuclear mishap was the Fukushima Accident in Japan. It was

caused by an earthquake-generated tsunami. The nuclear reactor was seismically

robust, however could not sustain the effect of the gallons of sea water that went

inside the reactor, thus leading to power failure which in turn led to overheating. This

ultimately resulted in a hydrogen explosion and subsequent events led to the discharge

of radioactive materials into the atmosphere.

Owing to limited domestic sources of natural uranium and abundant thorium

resources, a three-stage nuclear power program was envisaged about 50 years ago.

The first stage involved pressurized heavy-water and light-water reactors (about

10,000–20,000 MW); the second stage, plutonium or fast-breeder reactors; and the

third stage, thorium-based breeder reactors. This program would have provided the

highest energy security to India. Restrictions on nuclear fuel slowed down the first

stage. The decks are now being cleared quickly, and an indigenous 500-MW fast-

breeder reactor for the second stage is also nearing completion. This technology

demonstrator is a shot in the arm for Indian science and engineering.

Alternative Energy: A Special Reference To Solar Energy

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 33 editor@iaeme.com

2.3. Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is generally defined as energy that comes from resources which are

naturally replenished on a human timescale such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves,

and geothermal heat. Renewable energy can replace conventional fuels in four distinct

areas: electricity generation, air and water heating/cooling, motor fuels, and rural (off-

grid) energy services. Based on REN 21's 2014 report, renewables contributed 19% to

our global energy consumption and 22% to our electricity generation in 2012 and

2013, respectively. This energy consumption is divided as 9% coming from

traditional biomass, 4.1% as heat energy (non-biomass), 3.9% hydro electricity and

2.1% is electricity from wind, solar, geothermal, biofuels and biomass. Worldwide

investments in renewable technologies amounted to more than US$214 billion in

2013, with countries like China and the United States heavily investing in wind,

hydro, solar and biofuels.

There are many forms of renewable energy. Most of these renewable energies

depend in one way or another on sunlight. Wind and hydroelectric power are the

direct result of differential heating of the Earth's surface which leads to air moving

about (wind) and precipitation forming as the air is lifted. Solar energy is the direct

conversion of sunlight using panels or collectors. Biomass energy is stored sunlight

contained in plants. Other renewable energies that do not depend on sunlight are

geothermal energy, which is a result of radioactive decay in the crust combined with

the original heat of accreting the Earth, and tidal energy, which is a conversion of

gravitational energy.

2.4. Total Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (31 Dec 2014)

Source Total Installed Capacity (MW) % to Total

Wind Power 22,465.03 66.48

Solar Power (SPV) 3,062.68 9.06

Small Hydro Power 3,990.83 11.81

Biomass power 1,365.20 4.04

Bagasse Co-generation 2,800.35 8.28

Waste to Power 107.58 0.32

Total 33,791.74

Above table indicates the total installed capacity of renewable as on 31.Dec’2014.

M.R. KOLHE and Dr. P.G. KHOT

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 34 editor@iaeme.com

3. RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

3.1. Wind Power

The movement of the atmosphere is driven by differences of temperature at the

Earth's surface due to varying temperatures of the Earth's surface when lit by sunlight.

Wind energy can be used to pump water or generate electricity, but requires extensive

areal coverage to produce significant amounts of energy. Human has taken advantage

of wind power for thousands of years. The first known use was in 5000 BC when

people used sails to navigate the Nile River. Persians had already been using

windmills for 400 years by 900 AD in order to pump water and grind grain.

Windmills may have even been developed in China before AD, but the earliest written

documentation comes from 1219. Cretans were using "literally hundreds of sail-rotor

windmills to pump water for crops and livestock."

Today, people are realizing that wind power "is one of the most promising new

energy sources" that can serve as an alternative to fossil fuel-generated electricity.

The cost of wind has dropped by 15% with each doubling of installed capacity

worldwide, and capacity has doubled three times during the 1990s and 2000's. As of

1999, global wind energy capacity topped 10,000 megawatts, which is approximately

16 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. That's enough to serve over 5 cities the size of

Miami, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Five Miamis may not

seem significant, but if we make the predicted strides in the near future, wind power

could be one of our main sources of electricity.

Though wind energy is now more affordable, more available, and pollution-free, it

does have some drawbacks. Wind power suffers from the same lack of energy density

as direct solar radiation. The fact that it is a "very diffuse source" means that "large

numbers of wind generators (and thus large land areas) are required to produce useful

amounts of heat or electricity." But wind turbines cannot be erected everywhere

simply because many places are not windy enough for suitable power generation.

When an appropriate place is found, building and maintaining a wind farm can be

costly. It "is a highly capital-intensive technology."

3.2. Solar Energy

This form of energy relies on the nuclear fusion power from the core of the Sun. This

energy can be collected and converted in a few different ways. The range is from solar

water heating with solar collectors or attic cooling with solar attic fans for domestic

use to the complex technologies of direct conversion of sunlight to electrical energy

using mirrors and boilers or photovoltaic cells. Unfortunately these are currently

insufficient to fully power our modern society. The main advantages of solar energy

are that it is clean, able to operate independently or in conjunction with traditional

energy sources, and is remarkably renewable. The main disadvantages are that it is

currently more expensive than traditional energy, and the availability of solar

radiation varies from day to day, and from season to season.

3.3. Hydroelectric energy

This form uses the gravitational potential of elevated water that was lifted from the

oceans by sunlight. It is not strictly speaking renewable since all reservoirs eventually

fill up and require very expensive excavation to become useful again. At this time,

most of the available locations for hydroelectric dams are already used in the

developed world.

Alternative Energy: A Special Reference To Solar Energy

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 35 editor@iaeme.com

3.4. Biomass

This is the term for energy from plants. Energy in this form is very commonly used

throughout the world. Unfortunately the most popular is the burning of trees for

cooking and warmth. This process releases copious amounts of carbon dioxide gases

into the atmosphere and is a major contributor to unhealthy air in many areas. Some

of the more modern forms of biomass energy are methane generation and production

of alcohol for automobile fuel and fueling electric power plants.

3.5. Hydrogen and fuel cells

These are also not strictly renewable energy resources but are very abundant in

availability and are very low in pollution when utilized. Hydrogen can be burned as a

fuel, typically in a vehicle, with only water as the combustion product. This clean

burning fuel can mean a significant reduction of pollution in cities. Or the hydrogen

can be used in fuel cells, which are similar to batteries, to power an electric motor. In

either case significant production of hydrogen requires abundant power. Due to the

need for energy to produce the initial hydrogen gas, the result is the relocation of

pollution from the cities to the power plants. There are several promising methods to

produce hydrogen, such as solar power, that may alter this picture drastically.

3.6. Geothermal power

Energy left over from the original accretion of the planet and augmented by heat from

radioactive decay seeps out slowly everywhere, everyday. In certain areas the

geothermal gradient (increase in temperature with depth) is high enough to exploit to

generate electricity. This possibility is limited to a few locations on Earth and many

technical problems exist that limit its utility. Another form of geothermal energy is

Earth energy, a result of the heat storage in the Earth's surface. Soil everywhere tends

to stay at a relatively constant temperature, the yearly average, and can be used with

heat pumps to heat a building in winter and cool a building in summer. This form of

energy can lessen the need for other power to maintain comfortable temperatures in

buildings, but cannot be used to produce electricity.

3.7. Other forms of energy

Energy from tides, the oceans and hot hydrogen fusion are other forms that can be

used to generate electricity. However each suffers from one or another significant

drawback and cannot be relied upon at this time to solve the upcoming energy crunch.

4. RENEWABLE ENERGY

Can renewable energy replace fossil fuels? The answer to this question is yes,

however it take time. Several countries have adopted ambitious plan to obtain their

power from renewable energy. These countries are not only accelerating RE

installations but are also integrating RE into their existing infrastructure to reach a

100% RE mix.

There are various renewable energy sources. Solar power can be used directly for

heating and producing electricity or indirectly via biomass, wind, ocean thermal and

hydroelectric power. Energy from the gravitational field can be harnessed by tidal

power; and the internal heat of the Earth can be tapped geothermally.

These tools and more can help make the transition from non-renewable to

renewable and environmentally friendly energy. However, presently none of these is

sufficiently developed or abundant enough to substitute for fossil fuels use. Every one

M.R. KOLHE and Dr. P.G. KHOT

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 36 editor@iaeme.com

of these power sources (with the exception of hydroelectric) has low environmental

costs, and combined have the potential to be important in avoiding a monumental

crisis when the fossil fuel crunch hits. These energy sources are often non-centralized,

leading to greater consumer control and involvement.

Currently each of these energy forms is significantly more expensive than fossil

fuels, which will lead to economic dislocations and hardship if they become the only

power source for the future. Although one source will not be able replace fossil fuels

at once, but proper mix of energy sources will be required with smooth transition

from fossil fuels to renewable and it is sure that major share will be taken by Solar

energy in future.

5. TRANSITION ENERGY

Despite past and present, administration's hope that the transition from a society

dependent on fossil fuels to a world of controlled population growth, sustainable

economies and alternative green energies will be forthcoming, the vision seems a bit

optimistic. This shift will require strong political and emotional fortitude and decades

to accomplish. The transition is not only necessary for the planet's ecological survival;

it's critical to the health and well being of every human being. Carbon-dioxide

emissions are a major culprit in the rapid global warming, which remains a long-range

fossil fuel problem.

It is a fact that the extraction, distribution, and burning of fossil fuels contribute

significantly to, many of the planet's environmental problems. As population grow the

consumption of coal, oil and gas by increases to many fold. There are over six billion

people on Earth now, nearly double since 1960, and sometime in the next century

there will be about 12 billion. The fundamental problem is the world's population

growth and over exploitation of fossil fuels. In a modern-day century, from 1950 to

2050, the world's population is estimated to grow from 2.5 billion to 9.3 billion an

increase of almost 3 times. Currently, the planet's human population is doubling about

every 39 years and rate of increase of population is very fast. It took 10,000

generations to reach a world population of 2 billion in 1930, while it will only take us

a decade in the 1990s to produce around 1.5 billion more! Not to mention all the

environmental and humanitarian losses this overpopulation problem is causing.

With more and more developing countries wanting to offer their growing

populations the opportunity to consume fossil fuel products such as gasoline and

electricity, it is obvious that the global coal & oil supply will not sustain an

overpopulated planet. Life will become more difficult. William Rees state, "With

access to global resources, urban populations everywhere are seemingly immune to

the consequences of locally unsustainable land and resource management practices at

least for a few decades. In effect, modernization alienates us spatially and

psychologically from the land. The citizens of the industrial world suffer from

collective ecological blindness that reduces their collective sense of 'connectedness' to

the ecosystems that sustain them." What alternative energy sources exist to replace

our present great dependency on fossil fuels?

It is not possible just by making a few adjustments; society will make the jump

from unlimited fossil fuel consumption to sustainable economies based on improved

energy efficiency. The greater energy efficiency, fuel saving technologies and the

installation of minor adjustments in our daily lifestyles will not solve the coming fuel

crunch but will postpone it for time being.

Alternative Energy: A Special Reference To Solar Energy

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 37 editor@iaeme.com

Renewable green energy sources can help reduce pollution and dependence on

petroleum products. Wind and solar energy do not create dangerous waste products

and are indigenous, secure and freely available.

Regardless of whether the process of switching from non-renewable to renewable,

will be easy or extremely difficult, sooner or later we are all going to have to face

some major changes to our current way of life. It is not that we lack the knowledge of

how to adopt sustainable measures. We are simply resisting such constraints, as many

would call them, which might threaten the luxuries in life that we have grown so

accustomed to. The point is that we now know fossil-fuel-based model is not

sustainable for the world. The challenge is to help developing countries leapfrog to a

more decentralized, efficient, renewables-based system. The alternative to this is

following the coal or oil-based path; suffering from price volatility, import

dependence, mounting pollution and health problems, and expensive retrofits.

Ultimately, the question is not when the global economy will switch from burning

environment-damaging and limited petroleum products to using more earth-friendly

alternative energies, but how will industry and humanity handle the transition. Now,

the time has come to switch over from fossil fuel dependent situation to earth-friendly

alternative energies to save the earth.

Wind energy Vs. Solar power – Which is right option?

There are two promising renewable energy sources i.e. solar and wind. When

considering an off grid or grid connect power system; these two main choices for

renewable energy equipments are wind turbines and solar panels. So which is the

superior, wind energy or solar power?

It really depends on the geographical location and energy requirements, but given

the substantial investment involved with either option, it’s critical to select the right

system for your needs from the outset.

Following points shows superiority of a solar power system over wind power:

Solar power,

It has no moving parts

It has better reliability and a 25 year warranty

It requires less monitoring

It does not require expensive maintenance

It provides more predictable energy output based on BOM and NASA data.

It has better value for money in sites with average wind speeds less than 5

meters/sec.

It is less conspicuous than a wind turbine

It is totally silent in operation

It allows for quicker installation with less cable required

It is less susceptible to lightning damage

M.R. KOLHE and Dr. P.G. KHOT

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 38 editor@iaeme.com

It is less susceptible to high wind damage.

It requires less space in most cases as the panels can be installed on a roof

For most suburban and rural settings and applications; solar power is usually the

best choice for the considering above reasons

6. SOLAR ENERGY / SOLAR POWER

From an environmental perspective, solar power is the best thing going. A 1.5

kilowatt PV system will keep more than 110,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, the chief

greenhouse gas, out of the atmosphere over the next 25 years. The same solar system

will also prevent the need to burn 60,000 pounds of coal. With solar, there's no acid

rain, no urban smog, no pollution of any kind. Mankind has been crazy to have not yet

bothered to harness the sun's energy. Sun light takes 8 minutes to travel 93 million

miles. Those photons are hauling and when they strike your PV module you can

convert that motion to electricity. In many ways PV is a much more elegant and

sophisticated technology. The Earth receives an incredible supply of solar energy. The

sun, an average star, is a fusion reactor that has been burning over 4 billion years. It

provides enough energy in one minute to supply the world's energy needs for one

year. In one day, it provides more energy than our current population would consume

in 27 years. In fact, "The amount of solar radiation striking the earth over a three-

day period is equivalent to the energy stored in all fossil energy sources."

Solar energy is a free, inexhaustible resource, yet harnessing it is a relatively new

idea. The ability to use solar power for heat was the first discovery. A Swiss scientist,

Horace de Saussure, built the first thermal solar collector in 1767, which was later

used to heat water and cook food. The first commercial patent for a solar water heater

went to Clarence Kemp of the US in 1891. Producing electricity from solar energy

was the second discovery. In 1839 a French physicist named Edmund Becquerel

realized that the sun's energy could produce a "photovoltaic effect" (photo = light,

voltaic = electrical potential). In the 1880s, selenium photovoltaic (PV) cells were

developed that could convert light into electricity with 1-2% efficiency ("the

efficiency of a solar cell is the percentage of available sunlight converted by the

photovoltaic cell into electricity"). Photovoltaic power "remained a curiosity for many

years, since it was very inefficient at turning sunlight into electricity." It was not until

Albert Einstein proposed an explanation for the "photoelectric effect" in the early

1900s, for which he won a Nobel Prize that people began to understand the related

photovoltaic effect.

Alternative Energy: A Special Reference To Solar Energy

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 39 editor@iaeme.com

World’s & India’s Solar Map

Solar energy may have had great potential, but it was left on the backburner whenever

fossil fuels were more affordable and available. "Only in the last few decades when

growing energy demands, increasing environmental problems and declining fossil fuel

resources made us look to alternative energy options have we focused our attention on

truly exploiting this tremendous resource." We still use solar power in the same two

forms today, thermal and photovoltaic. The first concentrates sunlight, converts it into

heat, and applies it to a steam generator or engine to be converted into electricity in

order "to warm buildings, heat water, generate electricity, dry crops or destroy

dangerous waste." Electricity is generated when the heated fluid drives turbines or

other machinery. The second form of solar power produces electricity directly without

moving parts. Today's photovoltaic system is composed of cells made of silicon, the

second most abundant element in the earth's crust. "Power is produced when sunlight

strikes the semiconductor material and creates an electric current." The smallest unit

of the system is a cell. Cells wired together form a module, and modules wired

together form a panel. A group of panels is called an array, and several arrays form an

array field. Two main types of solar energy systems are in use today: photovoltaics,

and thermal systems.

6.1. Solar photovoltaic

Photovoltaic systems convert solar radiation to electricity via a variety of methods.

The most common approach is to use silicon panels, which generate an electrical

current when light shines upon it. Penn State University is involved in several projects

to demonstrate and encourage the use of solar energy at appropriate locations within

Pennsylvania. Solar photovoltaics are especially valuable for remote rural applications

where it would be prohibitively expensive to supply electricity from a utility line.

6.2. Solar thermal systems

Solar Thermal Systems seek to store heat from the sun that can be used for a variety

of purposes. Many different approaches can be employed here, including active

M.R. KOLHE and Dr. P.G. KHOT

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 40 editor@iaeme.com

systems, such as solar hot water heaters, and passive systems, in which careful

engineering design results in a building that automatically stores and utilizes solar

energy. Greenhouses are a prime candidate for passive solar design, in which they

collect solar energy on sunny days in winter and utilize it to keep the house warm at

night. These days solar energy is the most popular energy source in the world. Here is

the list featuring the most important factors that make solar energy a “one of the most

promising renewable energy sources in the world.”

Solar energy is renewable energy source meaning it is being constantly

replenished and cannot be depleted like this is the case with fossil fuels. As long

as Sun keeps shining solar energy will be available to us.

Solar energy is clean and environmentally friendly source of energy that doesn't

contribute to climate change.

Solar energy industry creates plenty new jobs that can give huge boost to our

economy.

Solar energy is extremely abundant source of energy with almost unlimited

potential.

Solar energy is free source of energy.

Solar energy can help improve our energy independence and energy security by

reducing the need for expensive foreign fuel import.

Solar panels are very silent and do not create noise pollution like some wind

turbines do.

Solar energy can help electrification of many rural areas, particularly in

developing world.

Solar panels have very good lifespan of 20+ years.

Solar panel prices have been constantly dropping in the last five years.

Solar panels require very little maintenance.

Solar energy industry is the fastest growing industry in the nation giving plenty of

business opportunities to young people.

Solar panels do not lose much efficiency over the years and can be recycled.

Solar Photovoltaic power even has advantages over wind power, hydropower, and

solar thermal power. The latter three require turbines with moving parts that are noisy

and require maintenance. Solar energy is most sought today in developing countries,

the fastest growing segment of the photovoltaics market. People go without electricity

as the sun beats down on the land, making solar power the obvious energy choice.

6.3. Technical & Commercial vialability of Solar energy

Energy from the sun has immense potential as it powers life on earth. Commercially

available solar panels are around 10-15% efficient at converting energy (compared to

a coal power station operating at around 25% efficiency), and although new

technologies are in development which may utilize solar on a large scale, they will

take many years to perfect. Solar panels are still based on simple principles that do not

require sophisticated machinery or technology to make. Much of the cost is in the

price of high grade silicon (around $225 a pound) which current solar technology uses

heavily. While solar is not greatly viable on a commercial scale, it can be extremely

effective on a small scale, particularly when combined with other methods. Using

both off grid solar power and wind power generation combined can offset the limits of

each device, so that electricity can be derived from the wind at night and from the sun

on less windy days. As with most generation methods the power travels one way (as

Alternative Energy: A Special Reference To Solar Energy

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 41 editor@iaeme.com

opposed to our usual power supply which can travel both ways many times a second)

so much of the cost of a full system is spent connecting the intake supply to the grid.

This can be bypassed by connecting the panels to some deep-cycle batteries and

running appliances directly from them. This also offsets the major disadvantage of

solar that allows you to only derive energy during the day when energy use is low in

the average household. Deep cycle batteries can give about 12 hours of continuous

power which is perfect for solar collection. This is why DIY versions of solar

installations like Earth4Energy are much more popular than full scale professional

installations, which can take up to 20 years to pay back the initial cost. Earth4Energy

shows you how to utilize solar power on any scale, at a much lower cost than is

possible otherwise.

6.4. Advantage to India

India is becoming one of the world's main producers of Solar PV modules, with plans

to power 100,000 villages and install solar-powered telephones in its 500,000 villages.

Solar power is just as practical in populated areas connected to the local electrical

power grid as it is in remote areas. There are actually four broad categories that can be

identified for solar energy use: industrial, rural habitation, grid-connected, and

consumer/indoor. Industrial uses represent the largest applications of solar power in

the past 30 years. "Telecommunications, oil companies, and highway safety

equipment all rely on solar power for dependable, constant power far from any power

lines." Roadside call boxes and lighted highway signs rely on the sun's energy in order

to provide reliable services without buried cable connections or diesel generators.

Navigational systems such as marine buoys and other unmanned installations in harsh

remote areas are also ideal applications for solar power because "the load demands are

well known and the requirements for reliable power are the highest." Rural habitation

includes "cabins, homes, villages, clinics, schools, farms, as well as individually

powered lights and small appliances." Grid-connected systems pair solar power with

an existing grid network in order to supply a commercial site with enough energy to

meet a high demand, or to supplement a family's household supply. The practicality

and environmentally safe nature of solar power is influencing people worldwide,

which is evident in equipment sales.

There are only two primary disadvantages to using solar power: amount of

sunlight and cost of equipment. The amount of sunlight a location receives "varies

greatly depending on geographical location, time of day, season and clouds. The low

conversion efficiency of modern PV panels, present affordability challenge for solar

as a means of generating electricity on a large scale. It would simply cost too much to

install enough solar panels to provide the output of a modern power station.

Consequently, solar is seen as a microgeneration technology to be deployed by

individual consumers and businesses. The cost of installing a solar electricity system

at home varies depending on the peak capacity of the system, measured in kilowatt-

peak (kWp).

As the price of solar power lowers and that of conventional fuels rises, it "is

entering a new era of international growth." So much so, that solar power "will remain

an excellent energy option, long after the momentary fossil fuel model fades into

smoke." Given India’s vast solar potential, with most parts of the country receiving 4–

7 KWh per square meter per day, it makes perfect sense to develop and establish

domestic solar technology assuming that volume will reduce the price. The flavor of

the season in energy supply and use in the coming decades will be a very aggressive

M.R. KOLHE and Dr. P.G. KHOT

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 42 editor@iaeme.com

energy efficiency program and the development of affordable new renewables,

particularly solar power. The future energy business in India presents a whole range

of opportunities, encompassing coal mining and transportation; oil and natural gas

exploration and transportation; thermal, hydro, nuclear, and solar power generation

and the accompanying state-of-the-art equipment manufacture; energy-efficient

devices, appliances, and building materials; smart grid opportunities and distribution

modernization; and efficient, affordable vehicle engines. For entrepreneurs, success

will lie in the latest technology, the large volume of business, and affordable

competitive prices. There is enough local enterprise for joint ventures. Environmental

stewardship is strongly rooted in Indian culture, though avoidable violations persist,

particularly regarding water sources. The worship of animals, trees and water is a

common religious practice in India. The combined habits of frugal lifestyle and

tolerating harsh climatic extremes have kept greenhouse gas emissions low. Per capita

emissions are among the lowest in the world, only about 1/4th of the global average.

Fortuitously, the energy intensity in India’s growth has been reduced by half from the

early 1970s. Currently, Indians consume 0.16 kgoe per dollar of GDP compared to a

global average of 0.21, and 0.22 for the USA, 0.17 for Germany and the OECD, and

0.15 for Japan.

Although environmental issues are important to the citizens of India, climate

change awareness is not widespread. The greatest public concerns are population

growth and eradication of poverty. There is good news, too, though: On World

Environment Day, June 5, 2010, a global survey by the National Geographic Society

and Globescan consultancy showed that India had not only retained its top position as

the greenest consumer from 2009, it even increased its lead. However, it needs the 5

Es – Energy, Equity, Environment, Efficiency, and Enterprise – for maximizing the

common good and it is sure that by way of which India would grow prudently and

fast.

7. CONCLUSION

Imagination is more important than knowledge, for knowledge is limited, whereas

imagination embraces the entire world – stimulating progress, giving birth to

evolution is said by Albert Einstein. It’s true that to make sure we have plenty of

energy in the future, it's up to all of us to use energy wisely. We must all conserve

energy and use it efficiently. It's also up to those who will create the new energy

technologies of the future. All energy sources have an impact on the environment. We

should be concerned about the greenhouse effect and global warming, air pollution,

and energy security which have led to increasing interest and more development in

renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, wave power and hydrogen.

Out of these, solar seems to be more promising but it needs it’s commercialization.

Till then we'll need to continue to use fossil fuels and nuclear energy until new,

cleaner technologies can replace them. One of amongst us might be another Albert

Einstein or Marie Curie and find a new source of energy or find ways to use available

renewable energy sources viably. Until then, it's up to all of us. The future is ours, but

we need energy to get there.

8. ABBREVIATION

MW-Mega watt, kWp-kilowatt-peak, PV- Photovoltaic, GDP- Gross domestic

product , OECD- Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development,

Alternative Energy: A Special Reference To Solar Energy

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp 43 editor@iaeme.com

REFERENCE

[1] http://www.altenergy.org/renewables/solar.html

[2] http://www.energymatters.com.au/components/solar-vs-wind,

[3] M.R. Kolhe and Dr. P.G. Khot. Coal – An Energy Source for Present and Future,

International Journal of Management, 5(10), 2014, pp. 71 – 90.

[4] M.R. Kolhe and Dr. P.G. Khot. Coal – India’s Energy Scenario - Current and

Future, International Journal of Management, 6(7), 2015, pp. 49 – 68.

[5] M.R. Kolhe and Dr. P.G. Khot. Minerals: The Wealth on Earth. Coal – India’s

Energy Scenario - Current and Future, International Journal of Management,

6(2), 2015, pp. 9 – 18.

[6] M.R. Kolhe and Dr. P.G. Khot. Role of Renewables In Energy Mix In

Perspective of Indian Energy Independence Scenario, International Journal of

Management, 6(2), 2015, pp. 9 – 18

AUTHOR

M.R. KOLHE, received the Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical

Engineering from Visvesvaraya Regional College of Engineering Nagpur (now

VNIT: Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur) and M.B.A. degree

from GS College of Commerce, Nagpur in 1974 and 1990, respectively. During 1975-

2013, he worked in Western Coalfields Limited (Subsidiary of Coal India Limited

Government of India Undertaking) and retired in 2013 as General Manager (Electrical

& Mechanical).