Solar Energy

Solar Energy comes from the Conversion of Sunlight into Electricity within Semi-Conductor Materials such as Silicon or covered with a thin Metallic Layer. These Photosensitive Materials have the property to release their Electrons under the influence of an External Energy. This is the Photovoltaic effect. The Energy is brought by Photons, (components of Light) which hit the Electrons and release them, inducing an Electric Current. This direct current of Micro-power calculated in Watt Peak (Wp) can be transformed into alternating current thanks to an Inverter.

The Electricity Produced is available as Direct Electricity or Stored in Batteries (Decentralized Electricity) or as Electricity Injected into the Grid.

A Photovoltaic Solar Generator is composed of Photovoltaic Modules, which are composed of Photovoltaic Cells connected to each other.

The Performance of a Photovoltaic Installation depends on the Orientation of the Solar Panels and the Sunshine Zones in which you are Located.

Low Temperature Solar Thermal

The Sun’s Rays, trapped by Glazed Thermal Collectors, transmit their Energy (Solar Energy) to Metallic absorbers, which heat a network of Copper Pipes where a heat transfer fluid circulates. This exchanger in turn heats the Water stored in a Cumulus. A Solar Water Heater produces Sanitary Hot Water or heating, generally diffused by a « Direct Solar Floor ».

All Devices that act as Solar Thermal Collectors are increasingly integrated into Bioclimatic Architecture Projects (Solar Houses, Greenhouses, Wall Collectors, Trombe Walls…).

High Temperature Solar Thermal

The Concentration of Solar Radiation on a surface of collection allows us to obtain very High Temperatures generally included Between 400 C and 1 000 C.

The Solar Heat produces Steam that feeds a Turbine which itself Supplies a Generator that Produces Electricity. This is Helio-Thermodynamics.

Three Distinct Technologies are used in Solar Power Plants

First Technology
In Parabolic Concentrators, the Sun’s Rays Converge on a single point, the Center of a Parabola.

Second Technology
In Tower Power Plants, Hundreds or Even Thousands of Mirrors (Heliostats) follow the Path of the Sun and concentrate its Radiation on a Central Receiver placed at the Top of a Tower.

Third Technology
Cylindro-Parabolic Collectors concentrate the Sun’s Rays towards a Heat Transfer Tube located at the Foyer of the Solar Collector.