Solar energy is an increasingly important renewable energy source, but presents challenges due to its intermittent availability. New technologies aim to bring the cost of solar power below $1 per watt by using thin film or printing processes. As solar power grows, smart grids can help integrate it into existing power infrastructure by enabling two-way energy transmission and distributed generation. The future of solar power depends on improved efficiency, energy storage solutions, hybrid generation systems, and optimal siting of power plants informed by geographic information systems.

1. Solar Energy : Technology and Perspectives
Joanna Mary Oommen
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia
Transition to a Smart Grid Existing /New Solar Power Plants
Increasing penetration of Renewable Energy into the
power sector demands an overhaul of aging electrical World’s first solar hybrid power World’s largest Solar Power Plant to
infrastructure. ‘Smart Grids’ are set to replace the plant set to start operation on 24th be set up in California’s Mojave
existing grid system with a new technology through New Technologies in Solar Energy to bring June, 2009 in Israel Desert
harnessing the power of the Internet, accurately
down cost of Solar plant to less than 1$/watt
gauging Demand Response (through Advanced
Metering Solutions) to avoid mismatch and save
energy in the process, encourage distributed  Depositing solar modules onto a flexible plastic substrate
generation which can save on transmission losses,
or using solar “inks” with a “printing” process to produce
adapt to influx of clean energy and several other
thin film solar panels will reduce the cost of Solar Power
advancements. The focus on Solar Energy, its
Plant to less than 1$/watt.
Transmission and Distribution, must involve an
understanding of the grid structure it will need to  Solar energy generation and integration feasible even at
utilize. This would guide decision-making for Kilowatt-level, ensuring immediate feasibility.
resource-siting, capacity upgradation and seamless Electric Utilities based in California
 Variable availability of Solar Energy demands adequate The picture above shows the Solar
integration of solar power into the power sector. signed the world’s largest solar deal
forecasting techniques to predict energy supply and (CSP) hybrid power plant in Israel. Due
compensate supply deficit or manage supply excess. to the limited time-availability of solar to produce three new solar-thermal
power, a hybrid micro-turbine runs in electric plants with a capacity of
parallel to convert the thermal energy 500MW, with optional upgradability
from the sun to electricity. The plant is to 900MW.
expected to generate 100kW of on- A commitment of such proportion is
demand power plus 170kW of thermal fueled by Californian law, which
power. The commissioning of this requires Pacific Gas and Electric (PG
hybrid plant will boost distributed & E) to generate 20% of its energy
generation, saving on expensive T & D from Renewable Sources
setup and line losses.
Abengoa Solar and Arizona Public First stage of Europe’s Commercial
Service Company announce contract Solar Power Station begins
to build a 1900-acre Solar CSP Plant operation near Seville, Spain
My Perspectives on Solar Energy
1. Improve efficiency of energy-generation by
developing newer and better materials to be
used in solar panels.
2. Intermittent availability of Solar energy to be
efficiently utilized. Energy storage solutions Arizona is gearing up to adopt Solar A 40-story, 300ft tall tower surrounded
offer a feasible way out. CSP to power 70,000 homes, a project by 624 solar panels is the first stage of
that is expected to complete by 2011, the solar power station and will
3. It is necessary to understand the significant with appropriate legislative support. generate enough energy to power
role played by other alternative energy The plant is named ‘Solana’, Spanish 60,000 homes. This CSP plant employs
sources, especially in energy storage and also for “a sunny place”. The CSP plant will a different technology than the
in providing an opportunity for resource- be operating on the Parabolic Trough parabolic trough; the solar panels on
mixing. Resource mixing becomes inevitable technology. ground reflect radiation onto the solar
as it is impossible to meet 100% energy receptor, positioned at the top of the
demands (24/7) from the Sun alone, due to tower. This energy turns water flowing
practical considerations. Hybrid generation through pipes at the top to steam,
offers a feasible solution. which in turn, rotates turbines to
4. With increasing penetration of clean energy, generate electricity.
distributed generation and micro-generation
become increasingly prevalent. Grids are
required to factor this aspect and prepare for
two-way energy flow.
5. GIS becomes the favorable tool to map and Prepared by:
identify resource locations and plan optimal
siting of sub-stations based on proximity to Joanna Mary Oommen
load-centres. The mapping of clean energy King Abdullah University of Science
sources also helps in planning for resource and Technology (KAUST), Saudi
mixing and energy storage. Arabia
E-mail me at:
joanna.oommen@kaust.edu.sa