Solar+Power

**By: Nick Bator, Helen Kwon, Jonathan Brudnick**
 * Energy Derived From the Sun **

** __Vocabulary Terms:__ **

Active Solar Power - The transformation of photons from the sun into electrical energy using photovoltaic cell.

Array - A group of solar mirror panels covered with photovoltaic cells that collect energy from the sun. [1]

Green House Gas Effect - Solar heating in an enclosed space of glass or other materials that admit solar radiation but block the passage of heat energy radiated back from surfaces to the outside. [1]

Passive Solar Power - The transformation of photons from the sun directly into heat energy.

Photovoltaic Cell - A semiconductor device that converts the energy of sunlight into electric energy. Composed of the p- type layer, which contains positive charges that attract excess electrons, and the n-type layer, which provides thee excess electrions. (Also known as a solar cell) [1]

Solar Collectors - A device used to collect and concentrate the rays of the sun; cotnains a reflective surface as well as a meduim for conducting the energy collected. [1]

Solar Energy - Energy given off by the sun. This energy is produced by nuclear reactions that occur at the sun’s core. [2] Solar Heating - Using the sun’s energy to heat homes and water. [2]

Solar Panel - Flat, door-like panels that soak up the sun's energy and use it to heat water or make electricity.[2]

Solar Tower - Tall tower in which warm air turns turbines to generate electricity. These are essential to gain closer access to the sun where solar panels may not reach. [3]

__ **Steps Involved in Accomplishing Solar Energy Production:** __

There are two ways to go about utilizing the sun's rays for power; active solar energy production, and passive solar energy production. While active solar energy transfers light from the sun into power by using man-made equipment, passive solar energy is used by allowing sunlight to warm a surface or light a room naturally. Here are examples of how solar energy is produced.

__ **Active:** __

1. Solar rays from the sun make contact with photovoltaic cells 2. Photovoltaic cells transfers the sun's heat and light into electricity 3. The electrical energy is transmitted through cables and wires 4. The electrical current that the wires create provides heated water and electricity to the building

media type="youtube" key="qYeynLy6pj8" height="307" width="384" align="center"

Solar panels ( array of photovoltaic cells ) are flat, door-like panels that absorb the suns energy and uses it to produce electricity or to heat water. These panels make use of renewable energy from the sun, and are a clean and environmentally sound means of collecting solar energy. In the video above, the process of building a solar panel is explained.

__ **Passive:** __

1. The solar rays are transmitted through a building ( Green house gas affect ) 2. The sun's rays are directly used to heat and light the building



Diagram: Large windows are placed towards the south side in order to absorb much of the heat and light as possible. The heat is trapped inside the house, and as a result, the building is naturally heated. This an example of passive solar power.



Picture 3: During the winter, solar energy from the sun are transferred through the window and into the building. The heat does not escape due to the green house gas affect. The direct energy from the sun heats up the building, this is also known as passive solar power.

Picture 4: Californian buildings have been installing solar panels over their roofs as to conserve energy using the sun's renewable source of power.

__** Conserving Solar Energy **__

__**Active:**__
 * Step 1:** The sun's rays are transferred through photovoltaic cells such as solar panels
 * Step 2:** The energy that is transmitted through the solar cells are transferred into electrical energy
 * Step 3:** The electrical energy is transferred through wires and cable, this creates an electrical current/kinetic energy.
 * Step 4:** The kinetic energy is transformed into heat energy used to heat up buildings and water, the kinetic energy also is transformed into light energy used to light buildings or street posts etc.


 * __ Passive: __**
 * Step 1:** The sun's rays are transferred through the windows of the building
 * Step 2:** It's direct energy is transformed into heat and light energy that does not escape.

__** Advantages of Using Solar Power: **__

- Solar panels give off no pollution and once installed require little to no maintenance. [5]

- The production of energy from the use of fossil and some renewable fuels (e.g. wind turbines) can be noisy, yet solar energy produces electricity silently. [5]

- Solar energy can be very efficient in a large area of the globe, and new technologies allow for a more efficient energy production on overcast/dull days.[4]

- Solar panels can be easily installed on most roofs, this eliminates the problem of finding space. [4]

- Although the initial investment/cost of solar cells may be high, once installed, they provide a free source of electricity, which will pay off over the coming years.[4]

- The use of solar energy to produce electricity allows the user to become less dependent on the worlds fossil fuel supplies.[4]

- It is renewable and reusable, as its source derives from the sun which is unlimited.[5]

- Solar energy can be also used directly to heat your homes naturally.[5]

- When solar panels produce more than the energy one is using, it can be stored and saved for other days where it is not producing as much.[4]


 * __Disadvantages of Using Solar Power:__ **

- The major disadvantage is the cost, some panels average from $800 - $1000 per panel. [5]

- Solar panels are only able to work during the time the sun is shining. (on a cloud day, however, it will only be reduced) At night one would need to rely on stored energy.[5]

- Although most solar panels can be used in any climate, the amount of sunlight exposed daily will reflect on the amount of solar panels required. [5]

- To some, solar panels can be unattractive. [5]


 * __ Summary __**

Solar energy is a reusable and renewable source that can be used to heat and light up homes, as well as heat up water. Solar energy can be used directly from the sun's rays, or be transferred into electricity through panels, towers, connectors, etc. Using solar power can reduce the use of harmful energy, such as the limited source of fossil fuels, and can be a nearly free source of electricity (once panels are installed) for the years to come. New breakthrough's in technology have also created solar powered boats, ovens, etc.

Although the initial cost of solar panels is expensive, the price is small when considering the amount of savings one can have over the course of the months and years to follow the installation. New technology also allows for photovoltaic cells to produce a more effective energy on cloudy days where the sun is not as strong. [4] Because solar energy is conserved throughout the day, the energy saved can be used at night where the sun is not shining. For those who find solar panels unattractive, this can easily be eliminated by using solar panel tiles which are less bulkier and blend in with the roof.

media type="youtube" key="2mCTSV2f36A" height="385" width="480" align="center"

An explanation of solar photovoltaic cells and how they work.


 * __ Links __**:

[] A brief article on the use of solar energy in the 21st century, and benefits and drawbacks of the power.

__ **References:** __

[1] Brook Bob. __Solar Energy.__ New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1992

[2] Casper Julie Kerr. __Energy__. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 2007

[3] Morris, Neil. __Solar Power.__ Minnesota: Smart & Apple Media 2007

[4] __Advantages of Solar Power__. Clean Energy Ideas. 10 April 2010. 

[5] __Advantages and Disadvantages | Pros and Cons of Solar power.__ Solar Power Top Tips. 10 April 2010. 