CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1              BACKGROUND TO STUDY

The term “Renewable energy” covers all forms of energy generated from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, water (or hydro power), tide, geothermal heat, biomas and biofuels. They are derived from natural processes that are constantly replenished and each of them has characteristics that determine where and how they are used. (Ikponmwosa O., Olawale S., Adedayo B., Dickson E., Kenechi A., 2014)

Several renewable energy projects in many countries have shown clearly, that renewable energy can directly contribute to poverty alleviation by providing a substantial amount of energy needed for creating businesses and employment especially in rural communities that have not yet been connected to the National grid Federal Ministry of Environment, 2013). Several renewable energy technologies are presently being used to supply energy for cooking, space heating, lighting, automobiles, etc. The combination of energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy resources, should allow Nigeria to meet any future increase in demand without increasing its reliance on non-renewable resources (Federal Ministry of Environment, 2013).

Solar energy can be seen as the anchor behind various forms of renewable energy. It anchors hydro power where the hydrological cycle is being controlled by the sun as well as Wind Power where the movement of air is due tothe heating effect of the sun on the atmosphere. In general, heat, kinetic energy, electrical energy and chemical energy can be provided via solar energy conversion (Tyagi et al.,2013).

In theory, solar energy can be perceived as an ideal energy source, because it is free and virtually limitless. However the technological barriers with regards to its collection, distribution and storage are great. Solar energy forms the basis or acts as the source of all other forms of energy on earth. Hence with the increase in intensity of solar radiation reaching the earth, it is paramount that this invaluable resource be put into adequate and efficient use in various areas of life. Solar energy utilization takes its root in the early ages when solar energy (sun) was used as a clock, as a compass, for preservation of food etc. In this modern age we have simply improved upon the findings of the old to get greater value, efficiency and time saving. To this end solar energy is ever growing and ever expanding in its utilization.

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