Solar energy
The sun is a prerequisite for life as we know it on our planet. With the exception of geothermal energy and tidal water, solar energy is the driving force behind all other renewable energy sources. Fossil energy carriers are even considered to be mainly stored solar energy. The human race uses solar energy extensively and has done so throughout history. Today the most important areas of utilization are those of drying agricultural products, heating buildings and producing electric power. In the future direct use of solar energy can become common also for cooling and for running industrial production processes.
Resource base
The human race uses solar energy extensively and has done so throughout history. Today the most important areas of utilization are those of drying agricultural products, heating buildings and producing electric power. In the future direct use of solar energy can become common also for cooling and for running industrial production processes.
Environmental impact
The utilization of solar energy has a moderate environmental impact, but in no case will it be zero.
Areas of application, value chains, technologies and market.
It is remarkable how many physical phenomena there are that can be used for the gathering and conversion of solar energy for useful purposes. Therefore we cannot go into details regarding all the technologies that have been demonstrated. Instead, the presentation will focus on the area of application itself. We emphasize examples that are relevant to Northern Europe, but also areas of application that are more suitable on other continents are mentioned.
References
References to the information about solar energy