Solar Energy in Spain

Solar Energy In Spain

Inigo Ramos

Marbella International University Centre

Abstract

This study explains the meaning and different types of solar energy, beginning with–Solar thermal power plants, Photovoltaics in the context of Spain, mentioning different projects undertaken in different parts of the country. It also analyses diversified policies, legal framework and the support given by the governments with the establishment of solar thermal power plants, Photovoltaics. Further, it gives an overview of the research and technological developments going on in this particular field in Spain after mentioning the usage of solar energy as a source to generate electricity. Finally, it delivers some of the ongoing-advanced projects in this concept, right now in Spain.

Introduction

The Sun is 93 million miles away. The tiny fraction of the Sun’s energy hits the Earth (a hundredth of a millionth of a percent) is enough to meet all our power needs and more. The sun provides more energy in an hour than the U.S. uses in a year. We call the energy from the sun, solar energy. Solar energy is transmitted to the earth in the form of radiant energy. It is vital to us because it provides the world—directly or indirectly– with almost all of its energy. In addition to providing the energy that sustains the world, solar energy is stored in fossil fuels and biomass, and is responsible for powering the water cycle and producing wind.

The Major Uses of Solar Energy: Daylight Drying, Agricultural Products, Space Heating, Water Heating, Generating Electrical Power (Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), Photovoltaics).

Concentrating solar power (CSP) is used in special power plants that use mirrors to convert the sun's energy into high-temperature heat. The heat energy is then used to generate electricity in a steam generator. The photovoltaic cell is the basic building block of a PV system. Individual cells can vary in sizes from about 1cm to about 10 cm across. Most cells are...