UGC NET Paper One

Solar Energy through Photovoltaics (PV)

Types of Solar Cells

• 1. Crystalline Silicon Cells:

  • Dominant in photovoltaic technology; efficient and durable
  • Silicon is widely used in solar cell fabrication. Asked in Exam
  • Photovoltaic cells are often made up of crystal silicon. Asked in Exam

• 2. Amorphous Silicon Cells:

  • Made of inexpensive silicon without crystal properties
  • Photovoltaic cells are also made up of inexpensive amorphous silicon, which is like ordinary glass and has no crystal properties. Asked in Exam

• 3. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Cells:

  • Photo ElectroChemical (PEC) solar cells are based on a hybrid structure of inorganic semiconductors and an electrolyte. Asked in Exam
  • Convert the electric potential from the photoelectric effect directly into chemical energy, eliminating the need for battery storage

Solar Energy through Concentrated Methods & Thermal Energy

Applications of Solar Energy

• 1. Electricity Generation:

  Solar panels generate electricity for residential, commercial, and industrial use.

• 2. Water Heating:

  Solar collectors and flat plate collectors are used for heating water.

• 3. Water Desalination (Solar Still):

  • A device that uses solar energy to desalinate impure water, like brackish or saline water
  • 'Solar water still' is a device to convert saline water to potable water using solar energy. Asked in Exam
  • 'Solar Water Still' is a device to produce potable water by using solar energy. Asked in Exam

• 4. Heating:

  Solar ponds and collectors can be used for space heating and industrial processes.