Solar Power Sun

Solar power Definition: Energy harnessed from the sun that consists of both heat and light energy. Both heat and light act as electromagnetic waves and can produce electricity with the aid of a solar cell or by heating water in solar collectors.

Simple Example Hose If you have a hose that you leave out in the sun, with the water running through it but stopped on the end with a nozzle for watering flowers, the water that is confined in the hose will do what over time?

B. Warm up and, when you go back to water the flowers, your water will be warm. II. Pool Left in the sun, the temperature of the water will increase as it captures the heat from the sun.

Strength of the Sun’s Energy If harnessed in its entirety, the sun produces enough heat energy in one hour to power the entire world’s power supply for one year. But we only harness enough to supply 1/10 of the world’s power through solar means.

Active Methods Light can be used to heat water directly Light can heat oil, which then boils water Light can heat molten salt, which powers a generator

Solar Collectors Consists of solar panels and a water supply Cold water is pumped, from a water supply, to underneath the solar panels. The solar panels are in direct sunlight, thus collecting the heat of the sun and warming the water. The warmed water travels to a storage unit, where the heat is captured to be used.

Passive Methods Place big windows on sides of buildings where the sun will shine for much of the day. The walls and floors are covered in heat-absorbent materials that will capture the heat of the sun to warm the room. Classroom is warmer in afternoon due to sun exposure throughout the day.

II. Solar panels on the roof, with water pipes running between or under them, can supply a house with hot water.

Advantages Renewable No pollution No noise, typically Can be used anywhere and by homes, big office buildings and malls, cars, etc.

Disadvantages Expensive to set up and takes a lot of ground space for all the panels/collectors Does not work at night unless you have collected and stored energy during the day Can be hindered by poor weather-clouds and storms

Japan, Germany, and the US lead the world in solar power use