1. Introduction

Sun also known as “Surya” is the creator of all the environmental processes on earth. Sun provides us with solar radiation which consists of Photons that have proven to contain high energy levels. Solar radiation helps in the maintenance of the earth’s ambient temperature. The amount of energy from the sun that reaches Earth each day is enormous. All the energy stored in Earth's reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas is equal to the energy from only 20 days of sunshine. Various life cycles such as photosynthesis, ecological cycles such as water-cycle, photochemical cycles help up in the formation of oxygen (though in less amount). Solar radiation is basically Short-wave radiation. After entering the earth these short-wave radiations are converted into long-wave radiation which then helps in the maintenance of the general temperature on the earth which is beneficial for all the ecological cycles occurring on the planet earth.

2. Solar radiation – as a generator of energy

Solar radiations are a big source of energy as it consists of high energy particles which help up in the excitement of electrons. Nowadays, science has been established to such a level that mankind is now able to harness this energy for the fulfilment of his own needs. Sun, the powerhouse of energy provides solar radiation which if used efficiently can help up un the biggest problem of all the developments i.e., pollution, as in today’s world till now no technology has been developed which does not cause any pollution. Even though, solar appliances do cause pollution such as e-waste which can be managed by using 3 r’s which are reduced, reuse, recycle.

3. Solar power- the future

Science has developed ways and experiments through which we know about the properties of solar radiation. Nowadays, various solar appliances have been developed which can convert solar energy into the form of energy. This energy can be distributed into two parts which are heat and electricity.

4. Solar energy as a source of electricity

Solar energy has been proved to be helping in the generation of electricity. The appliances which are used for the generation of electricity based on the principles of solar energy are termed Photo-voltaics. These appliances help in the conversion of this useful form of energy into electricity. The main dependency which the photovoltaics require is the position of the sun, presence of sunlight, duration of sunlight, angle of the appliance towards sun etcetera.

The photovoltaic appliances are made by an association of a number of solar cells into an array which combines to form a solar panel. They are mainly made up of silicon particles, but nowadays to improve their efficiency Cadmium telluride is also being used which has proved to increase the efficiency of the solar cells by approximately 95% which is near to the perfect quantum level. The 95% efficiency photovoltaics use the 3-junction system. The non-junction solar photovoltaics also have an efficiency of 45%.

These appliances work on the principle that when solar radiation falls on the solar panel, the solar panels convert the solar energy into electricity. In technical terms, the high energy photons (from the solar radiation) when fall on the solar panels, the electrons present inside the solar cells get excited and these highly excited electrons generate electricity.

Nowadays, particularly in Himachal Pradesh solar fences are also being used by the farmers to protect their fields from animals or trespassers. A solar fence works like an electric fence which delivers a brief yet fierce shock when human beings or animals come in contact with the fence. The shock enables a deterrent effect while ensuring that no loss of life is caused.

5. Solar energy as a source of heat energy

These are a group of another solar-based device that converts solar energy into heat. The generated heat can be utilized in the form of cooking, water heating and purification of water. The appliances which convert solar energy into steam are known as solar steam generating systems through which steam generated can be used for cooking purposes. Solar ponds store the heat energy received by the solar radiations which can fulfil various purposes such as heating of buildings or as industrial hot water for electricity generation. Solar desalination units undergo processes such as condensation and evaporation and can convert saltwater into purified water by evaporation and condensation process.

 6. Application of Solar energy in agriculture

Solar energy can be used in agriculture in a number of ways, saving money, increasing self-reliance, and reducing pollution. Solar energy can cut a farm's electricity and heating bills. Solar heat collectors can be used to dry crops and warm homes, livestock buildings, and greenhouses. Solar water heaters can provide hot water for dairy operations, pen cleaning, and homes. Photovoltaics (solar electric panels) can power farm operations and remote water pumps, lights, and electric fences. Buildings and barns can be renovated to capture natural daylight, instead of using electric lights. Solar power is often less expensive than extending power lines.

7. Limitations

The main challenge today is to promote the development and commercialization of renewable energy sources for widespread adaption. This requires a smooth transition from a fossil fuel-based generation system to renewable energy supported system. The two main obstacles in this regard are efficiency constraints and the cost of renewable sources. Photovoltaic systems are one of the most promising and prominent candidates of emerging renewable sources. Lack of capability of bulk production of energy, system efficiency, availability, reliability, feasibility, sustainability, suitable geographical sites, lifetime, capital cost/investment, commercialization, energy storage, complex manufacturing process and the final cost of energy are the major factors affecting the growth of renewable sources like solar energy systems. Improved performance and cost reduction can increase the use and popularity of the sources.

Now, from the above-mentioned information, we know that solar radiation has applications that are beneficial and have the potential to provide clean energy, but the main problem lies in the fact that this beneficial technology is not getting very much attention from the general public. This lack of implementation on a large commercial scale is due to some constraints in the process which are discussed further.

8. Solar radiation technology- A technology with minimum implementation on the ground level

In today’s world, mainly with the newest technological inventions we still fail to get their best output. This is due to the lack of the improvisation stage. We are unable to reach out to the maximum number of people with our technology. We are unable to make people think that what are the benefits to their family & what are the benefits of the technology to our planet. This can be due to the fact that we are not able to connect these scientific innovations with the emotions of the people. Many people around us know about clean energy but still, they don’t want it to implement on their personal level. The main psychology behind this constraint is the fact that:

1. The thinking of “Why Should I”
2. Lack of emotional connectivity with science
3. High prices of the installation process.
4. Lack of complete information regarding the benefits.

The lack of extension services also is the main reason for their reaching out to the general public. In most governmental institutions the scientists develop the technology but the extension workers often fail to present the benefits of the new technology to the general public. Thus, as a fact, the technology is unable to reach the Right Person at the Right place & at the right time.

9. What should be done to improve the reach of these technologies?

1. Firstly, the basic step is the spread of awareness about the potential benefits.
2. Preparation of various commercials especially on TV, Newspapers, Pamphlets which show how clean energy technologies can help the individual itself, his family + environment.
3. Attachment of subsidies and help of local-level administration to promote clean energy and various basic doubts regarding it to the people.
4. Alone subsidies are not enough hence, we should also plan & manage to encourage people through marketing skills which are often followed by private companies for delivering the advantages of their product.
5. The Public-Private Partnership model can also be followed to improve the production, marketing & reach of the technology to the common people.

Thus, in a nutshell, clean energy technology such as solar energy have a higher potential in the market. All we need is the proper marketing skills, better subsidies, if needed then follow up of the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model, connect people emotionally with this technology.