A solar cell panel, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) panel, is a device that converts sunlight directly into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. Three applications of solar cell panels are:

1. Residential and Commercial Solar Power Systems: Solar panels can be installed on rooftops of homes, buildings, and offices to generate electricity for on-site consumption or to feed excess power back into the grid.

2. Off-grid Power Solutions: Solar panels are used in remote areas or locations where access to traditional power grids is limited or unavailable. They provide a reliable source of electricity for powering remote homes, telecommunications equipment, water pumps, and other applications.

3. Solar-powered Gadgets and Appliances: Solar panels are used to power various gadgets and appliances such as calculators, street lights, outdoor lighting, solar-powered chargers, and solar-powered water heaters.

Many thermal plants are set up near coal or oil fields because:

1. Fuel Availability: Thermal power plants primarily rely on coal or oil as fuel for generating electricity. Setting up plants near coal or oil fields reduces transportation costs and ensures a steady and reliable supply of fuel to the power plants.

2. Efficiency: Proximity to coal or oil fields allows for efficient extraction and transportation of fuel to the power plants, minimizing losses associated with fuel transportation and storage.

3. Infrastructure: Coal or oil fields often have existing infrastructure such as railways, pipelines, and storage facilities, which can be utilized for transporting fuel to thermal power plants, thereby reducing initial setup costs and time.

Renewable resources of energy are those that are replenished naturally and are not depleted with use. Examples include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, biomass energy, and geothermal energy. Non-renewable resources of energy are those that are finite and deplete over time with use. Examples include fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Geothermal energy is heat energy derived from the Earth's internal heat. It can be harnessed for various purposes, including electricity generation and direct heating applications. Advantages of wind energy include:

1. Renewable: Wind energy is a renewable resource, meaning it can be replenished naturally and is not depleted with use.
2. Clean: Wind energy production does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants, contributing to reduced environmental impact and improved air quality.
3. Cost-effective: Once installed, wind turbines have relatively low operational and maintenance costs compared to conventional fossil fuel-based power plants.