Renewable Energy

The term renewable energy refers to non-consumable energy sources, such as sun beams, wind, waves etc.

The sun may be used to produce solar energy in two main ways:

Photovoltaic Energy

The word Photovoltaic is a combination of the Greek word "light" and the electric voltage measurement unit "volt".

The system converts sun radiation into electric current by photovoltaic cells. These cells are made of layers of semi-conducting materials, mostly silicon – a non-perishable, abundant material the mining of which is environment-friendly.

Sun energy is absorbed by the materials, releases electrons from their atoms and allows them to flow through the semi conductor, thereby producing electricity. The higher the radiation meeting the cell, the larger the electric current formed in the cell. This light conversion into electricity process is called the photoelectric effect.

The ability of a photovoltaic system depends on the level of sun radiation and the conditions of temperature,wind and atmospheric pressure. Typical weather and radiation in Israel are among the best on the world for producing photovoltaic electric energy.

Thermosolar Energy

A thermosolar system exploits solar energy to heat liquids or gases for the creating of thermal energy.

Thermosolar systems covert heat energy into electric energy by using steam pressure created by heating the liquid or gas for the purpose of activating turbines. A generator converts the circular energy of the turbine into electric energy which produces electricity.

The global renewable energy market continues to grow consistently.

2010 shows peak data for investments in this area at a scope of approximately 243 billion dollar, representing a 30% increase comparing to 2009.

The global photovoltaic solar energy market too continues to reflect impressive growth and during 2010 new projects of over GW15.6 Peak Watt have been installed across the world, constituting an annual investment of approximately 71 billion dollar, a 50% increase in comparison to the data of 2009.

Experts evaluate that the photovoltaic energy market is expected to grow and reach approximately 113 billion dollar in 2020.

Source 1 – Name of article: Trends 2011 Clean Energy

http://www.cleanedge.com/reports/reports-trends2011.php

Source 2 - Name ofarticle: Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/04/whos-winning-the-clean-energy-race