Solar Energy

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A3 Kirjan tai muun kokoomateoksen osa
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Authors

Date

2025

Department

Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering
Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

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Language

en

Pages

98

Series

Green Energy and Technology ; Volume Part F425

Abstract

Solar energy input to the Earth is the largest available renewable energy source, and the power produced by solar PV panels is currently the cheapest form of renewable energy. Chapter 4 on solar power presents an analysis of solar resources and their availability, the operational principles and application of solar PV panels, an overview of currently available and emerging technologies, and an evaluation of their impacts on nature and local communities. The chapter explains the prerequisites of capturing solar energy by fixed or moving PV panels (applicable also for thermal collectors). The chapter proceeds to examine the operational principle of a photovoltaic panel and how it can be mathematically modeled using an equivalent circuit. The operating conditions, such as irradiance, are discussed, as are the design of industrial-scale solar power plants and their impacts on nature and society. The chapter also addresses how to avoid and minimize these negative impacts. The siting of industrial-scale, ground-mounted solar power plants represents the single most important decision in the development of such facilities. In this context, the chapter provides a comprehensive literature review of the negative impacts on nature and the measures, including colocation and rehabilitation options, that can be taken to avoid those impacts and examples of creating biodiversity benefits. The chapter also presents a review of the creation of positive outcomes for local communities and discusses the causes behind social inequalities and resulting opposition to solar energy projects. The chapter emphasizes the importance of analyzing and addressing all ecological and social aspects carefully when planning and developing renewable energy projects.

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Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s) 2025.

Keywords

Energy transition, Equivalent circuit, Mitigation, Nature impact, Photovoltaic, PV cell operation, Siting, Social sustainability, Solar PV power plants, Solar resource analysis, Sustainability, Wildlife

Other note

DOI

10.1007/978-3-031-69856-9_4

Citation

Järvinen, M, Paulomäki, H, Laitila, E, Popov, G, Golroudbary, S R, Lundström, M, Wilson, B P, Talala, R, Sadiqa, A, Apajalahti, E L & Dańkowska, A 2025, Solar Energy. in Designing Renewable Energy Systems within Planetary Boundaries : A Textbook for Energy Engineers. Green Energy and Technology, vol. Part F425, Springer, pp. 247-344. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-69856-9_4

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202506114507

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[article-cris] Kemian tekniikan korkeakoulu / CHEM