- Definition and Types of Energy
- Myths And Misconceptions About Energy
- The Relationship Between Energy and Environment
- Climate Change and Carbon Footprint
- Greenhouse Gas Effect
- The Role of Human-Induced Greenhouse Gases and Energy Consumption
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
- Renewable Energy Sources and Future Perspectives
- Play and Learn
- Solar Energy Conversions
- Solar Energy Worldwide
- Solar Energy in Partner Countries
- Positive and Negative Impacts
- Technologies for Harnessing Solar Energy
- Solar thermal energy technologies and applications
- Electricity Generation Methods
- Passive Heating and Cooling of Residences with the Sun
- Concentrator solar power (CSP) systems and electricity generation
- Systems and applications that generate electricity directly from solar rays
- Photovoltaic cells and panels
- Domestic PV Systems
- Off-Grid PV Systems
- Hybrid Connected Systems
- Materials Used in PV Cells
- Play and Learn
Welcome to the GREENLIGHT
Energy is an indispensable part of human life. Everything we do in daily life, from charging our phones to manufacturing goods in factories, relies on energy. Therefore, energy is a resource that must be available at every moment of life. Especially with the onset of the Industrial Revolution, rapid population growth, widespread urbanization, and rising living standards have significantly increased the demand for energy.
When we examine global energy consumption today, it becomes clear that a large portion of energy comes from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are energy resources formed from the fossilized remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. However, the use of these resources has led to several serious problems. The first is energy dependency, particularly for countries that lack fossil fuel resources. Relying on other countries to meet energy needs can create both economic and political challenges. The second issue is the rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves. These resources are non-renewable, meaning once consumed, they take millions of years to replenish. The third, and perhaps most significant issue, is the environmental damage caused by fossil fuels. The use of these fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and, consequently, climate change. Melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and droughts are among the natural disasters resulting from these changes.
These challenges have driven humanity to seek alternative energy sources. Renewable energy sources, which are environmentally friendly and sustainable, have recently gained renewed attention. Looking back in history, prior to the Industrial Revolution, energy primarily came from renewable resources such as wood, wind, and water. However, with the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas came to dominate energy use for many years. While the Industrial Revolution brought numerous conveniences to humanity, the intensive use of fossil fuels significantly increased environmental harm.
The 1973 energy crisis brought renewable energy sources back into focus. During this period, the rapid rise in oil prices led countries to explore new energy alternatives. However, this interest was short-lived and eventually diminished. As the environmental damage caused by fossil fuels escalated and international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol highlighted the severity of the issue, renewable energy sources regained importance. Today, renewable energy is increasingly prioritized due to its environmentally friendly and sustainable nature.
This book aims to explain what renewable energy sources are, how they are produced, the technologies used, and the impact of these energy types on our environment. Understanding the energy sources of the future, managing our energy consumption responsibly for a sustainable world, and improving our quality of life while protecting our environment are vital. Especially for young individuals like you, becoming aware of this field will contribute to building a cleaner world both today and in the future.