Application of Solar Energy for Lighting in Opencast Mines

Abstract

Proper illumination in mines is a major requirement for un-interrupted production and improved safety. Most of the mines currently use conventional lighting systems. The energy source for such lighting systems are either electric or diesel power. The price of fossil fuel and diesel are increasing rapidly, which is responsible for increased price of power generation and cost of illumination. Therefore an alternative source like solar energy is a necessary requirement. The illumination level of mines can be improved by increasing the power output of a solar panel, the light intensity of solar panel being directly proportional to power output of solar panel. Solar energy could be a good choice of power generation, since the cost of solar panels decreasing rapidly in the past few years. Moreover, solar energy has also become more efficient as compared to other source of energy.