(a) The major advantage of solar power is that no pollution is created in the process of generating electricity. Environmentally it the most Clean and Green energy. Solar Energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our environment. (b) It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide or mercury into the atmosphere like many traditional forms of electrical generation does. Therefore Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog. It actively contributes to the decrease of harmful green house gas emissions. (c) Solar energy does not require any fuel. (d) There is no on-going cost for the power it generates – as solar radiation is free everywhere. Once installed, there are no recurring costs. (e) It can be flexibly applied to a variety of stationary or portable applications. Unlike most forms of electrical generation, the panels can be made small enough to fit pocket-size electronic devices, or sufficiently large to charge an automobile battery or supply electricity to entire buildings. (f) It offers much more self-reliance than depending upon a power utility for all electricity. (g) It is quite economical in long run. After the initial investment has been recovered, the energy from the sun is practically free. Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades. (h) Its not affected by the supply and demand of fuel and is therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price of fossil fuel. (i) By not using any fuel, Solar Energy does not contribute to the cost and problems of the recovery and transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste. (j) More solar panels can easily be added in the future when your family’s needs grow. It does not only reduce your electricity bill, but will also continue to supply your home/ business with electricity in the event of a power failure. (k) A Solar Energy system can operate entirely independently, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid at all. Systems can therefore be installed in remote locations, making it more practical and costeffective than the supply of utility electricity to a new site. (l) They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to add any fuel. The above discussion shows that solar-driven thermoelectric technologies could be used in a wide variety of fields. They are attractive technologies that
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not only can serve the needs for refrigeration, airconditioning applications and power generation, but also can meet demand for energy conservation and environment protection in the coming future.