Solar energy

Solar energy is arguably the most promising of renewable energy sources. There are different technologies available to convert solar radiation into useful heat or electricity.

 

Photovoltaic technology

Photovoltaic technology converts solar energy directly into electricity using solar cells. These semiconductor devices absorb light and produce positive and negative charge carriers creating electrical power. Solar cells can be manufactured by mono crystalline, poly crystalline or amorphous silicon as well as other semiconductor materials like cadmium telluride, copper-indium selenide or gallium arsenide.

In order to generate solar electricity, several solar cells are integrated to create a solar module. These solar modules can then be connected to form a solar generator. Uses of solar generators include: charging batteries, driving motors or on a larger scale producing electricity which can be fed into the electricity grid using a dc-ac converter.

 

Concentrated solar power (CSP) technology

Solar energy can be harnessed to generate power on a far larger scale. Parabolic trough power stations use one axis tracking curved troughs which reflect the sun light onto a receiver (absorber). Power tower stations use a field of two axis tracking mirrors (heliostats) to concentrate the solar radiation onto one small area on top of a tower. Parabolic dish technology uses large reflective two axis tracking parabolic dishes to collect the solar energy and are typically coupled with a Stirling engine.
 
KEMA has worked in this field for many years and on many projects. We can offer you a full range of consultancy for solar energy.

Strategic consultancy
We support governments with development of national and international policy programs.

Technology consultancy
We offer the development of technical solar opportunities worldwide. We help our clients to define the best technology for their needs by for example, SWOT analysis; business cases over the lifetime of the power station; and assist our clients to judge, financially, the chosen technology.

Project development
KEMA offers the complete package from site development, energy yield calculations, owner’s engineering, tender procedures, up to the final acceptance measuring.

Due diligence

We offer technical due diligence on solar projects as well as for existing solar power stations.