Solar energy : analysis of the resource and its transformation

Solar energy is sunlight, used since the dawn of time. What are its characteristics? How much does the earth receive? How is it distributed across the planet, on land and in the oceans? How much does a roof, a field or a city receive? How does this energy compare with the energy consumed by mankind? How is it transformed? These are just some of the questions that will be addressed in this presentation, which will also cover its transformation into derived forms such as wind, hydro, marine and biomass energy from photosynthesis. Photosynthesis occupies a special place, as it is based on the natural photovoltaic conversion that has inspired the most recent research developments.