Sun
is the basic energy source for our planet. Millions of years ago,
solar energy reaching Earth was trapped in coal, oil, and natural
gas. Sun is also the source of wind energy and wave and tidal power.
Solar energy can be also exploited directly, using special systems of
energy production and accumulation.
Solar
total irradiance is the measure of solar radiation reaching Earth. It
is the solar radiation energy flux density on the stratosphere’s
surface and currently averages 1,4 kW/m2.
In Poland, the
conditions for solar energy exploitation are generally good, provided
that the systems and equipment are adjusted to the character,
structure, and time of solar radiation. Technologies of thermal
conversion of solar energy based on the use of solar collectors have
the best chances for quick development in our country. Because of a
large share of diffuse radiation in total solar radiation in our
conditions, solar high temperature technologies based on radiation
concentrators have no practical application in Poland.