What are solar plants?

Solar plants, also known as solar power plants or solar farms, refer to large-scale installations designed to harness solar energy and convert it into electricity. They are built to generate electricity on a significant scale using solar panels or mirrors to capture sunlight. These plants utilize photovoltaic (PV) technology or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems to convert solar energy into usable electrical energy.

Solar PV farms consist of arrays of solar panels comprising numerous photovoltaic cells. These cells absorb sunlight and convert it directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The generated electricity can be fed into the electrical grid or power-specific applications.

Concentrated solar power plants use mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a receiver, which then heats a fluid to produce steam. The steam drives a turbine, which generates electricity. CSP systems can also store thermal energy, allowing for electricity production even when the sun is not shining.

Solar PV plants are typically situated in locations with ample sunlight and large open areas. They can be found in various forms, such as ground-mounted installations or rooftop systems. These plants are vital in promoting renewable energy generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and diversifying the energy mix, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly power generation infrastructure.