What is solar energy transformation?

Solar energy transformation refers to the process of converting the energy from the Sun into usable forms of energy. Hence, innovating new materials and designs for a solar prototype can improve efficiency and lower costs. The pathways of solar energy transformation include solar photovoltaic and solar thermal energy technologies.

Is photovoltaic a new technology?

Since the beginning of the 21st century, no other scientific branch has experienced an influx of new materials and technologies like the photovoltaic field. The share of primary energy consumption originated from renewable sources had a steep increase, rising from 26.7 in 1999 to 66.9 EJ in 2019 .

How did the photovoltaic conversion industry change in the 2010s?

The 2010s is highlighted as a transitional decade when the photovoltaic conversion industry transformed from a subsidized to a profitable energy sector. While photovoltaic energy conversion is a clean process, technologies for producing photovoltaic materials and solar panels affect the environment.

Why are photovoltaic conversion processes becoming obsolete?

The rise of the photovoltaic industry in the 2010s, the availability of solar energy, advanced human knowledge regarding photovoltaic processes, low environmental impact, and social acceptability make photovoltaic conversion processes the leading candidates to make exploitation of the nonrenewable sources of energy obsolete. 2.

How do bifacial photovoltaic panels work?

The system developed by students at the US Department of Energy elegantly combines engineering technology with the aesthetics of good residential architecture. The bifacial photovoltaic panels can absorb solar energy from sunlight on the front surface and by reflected light on the rear, maximizing the amount of energy produced per square meter.

Can solar panels be moved out over a deck?

The solar panels can be moved out over the deck to provide shading to both the exterior rooms and to the southern wall during the summer. The panels can be retracted in the winter to allow the sun to passively heat and light the home through the southern glass wall. A creative approach that can lead to interesting and versatile compositions.