Energy Sources
Solar Power
Also Known As Solar Energy
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Energy captured from sunlight, either directly as electricity in photovoltaic cells or as heat in solar thermal systems. From the first practical silicon solar cell in 1954, photovoltaics fell in cost by orders of magnitude to become, in the 2020s, the cheapest source of new electricity in much of the world and the fastest-growing major energy source.
Facts
Source Class First Commercial YearBell Laboratories demonstrated the first practical silicon photovoltaic cell in 1954; Charles Fritts built a selenium cell in 1883, far too inefficient for commercial use. Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Solar photovoltaics is the most frequently cited example of a technology that has reached grid parity in multiple markets.
Rooftop solar photovoltaics is the dominant real-world use case for net metering programs.
Used By
Sources
1. United States Energy Information Administration Official Site
1. United States Energy Information Administration Official Site
US Energy Information AdministrationUsed By: Concentrated Solar Power, Solar explained, Solar thermal power plantsQuote, Used By: Concentrated Solar Power, Solar explained, Solar thermal power plants
The steam is converted into mechanical energy in a turbine, which powers a generator to produce electricity.
1. United States Energy Information Administration Official Site
US Energy Information AdministrationAssociated With: Duck Curve, Today in Energy, As solar capacity grows, duck curves are getting deeper in CaliforniaQuote, Associated With: Duck Curve, Today in Energy, As solar capacity grows, duck curves are getting deeper in California
grid operators at the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) have observed a drop in net load...in the middle of the day when solar generation tends to be highest
2. National Renewable Energy Laboratory Official Site
International Renewable Energy Agency Official Site
International Renewable Energy AgencyUsed By: Noor Ouarzazate Solar ComplexView the Source EBSCO Research Starters
EBSCO Information ServicesAssociated With: Bell Labs Silicon Solar Cell, Research Starters, Bell Scientists Develop Photovoltaic CellQuote, Associated With: Bell Labs Silicon Solar Cell, Research Starters, Bell Scientists Develop Photovoltaic Cell
The first application of the silicon solar cell, in 1957, was to power a telephone repeater in Americus, Georgia.
United States Department of Energy Official Site
US Department of EnergyUsed By: Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, Loan Programs Office, Ivanpah, Project SummaryQuote, Used By: Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, Loan Programs Office, Ivanpah, Project Summary
a 392-MW concentrating solar power (CSP) plant
Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Grid Parity, Early AchievementsQuote, Associated With: Grid Parity, Early Achievements
Germany was one of the first countries to reach parity for solar PV in 2011 and 2012 for utility-scale solar and rooftop solar PV, respectively.
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