By Zach Lytle, Jared Freeman, Kyle Lewiecki

Overview of Solar Power The solar power is energy produced by the sun It is produced through nuclear fusion The energy then goes through space to earth in the form of light and heat energy The energy is then used in various ways from producing electricity to heating systems for houses As it is considered a “Green Energy” it is heavily subsidized by the government

Nuclear Fusion Nuclear fusion is the process of the nuclei colliding and bonding into one nucleus (the center of an atom) In stars the reaction occurs most commonly between hydrogen atoms, forming helium atoms In the process matter is not conserved Due to the law of conservation of energy, as matter is destroyed, energy therefore must be produced The energy is in the form of photons (like light)

Nuclear Fusion Continued Energy is produced in reactions of materials weighing less than iron The reaction requires extreme amounts of energy to start, currently the only way humans can start this reaction is through a nuclear explosion In stars there is plenty of energy to support the reaction All active stars do this reaction

Photovoltaic Cells There are four types of photovoltaic cells They are built out of the following Two layers of silicon, one negative, one positive A layer of anti reflective plastic Metal conductors Metal backing Each 1/100 of an inch thick Silicon is a semi conductor

Photovoltaic Cells Continued Photons from the sun come and hit the cells, some are reflected, some absorbed and some pass through The ones that are absorbed are absorbed by the silicon semiconductor The electrons of the negatively charged layer are knocked loose from the atoms by the photons Once the electrons are moving a current is formed, which can be converted into electricity The electrons take the energy from the photon and give it to electrons of atoms Each produces ½ a volt of energy

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Passive Solar Systems A passive solar system does not use any mechanics or electricity to gather the sun’s energy and will not track the sun across the sky Materials on the house are used to collect or reflect the suns energy One example of a passive solar system is a heating system The heat from the sun’s rays heat air or water that then is distributed through the house to heat it For water the heated air goes over the pipes heating the water inside

Passive Solar Systems Continued Passive solar systems are also used to cool house, as the material on the houses reflect the heat

Active Solar System Active solar systems use mechanics and electricity to aid in the collecting energy of the sun Some solar panels use an active solar system to track the sun across the sky to let the solar panels produce energy for a longer period of time

Active Solar Heating This heating system differs from an passive heating system as it uses pumps to bring the water to a solar panel to be heated and then back around through the house to heat air to warm the house

Advantages of Solar Energy It is a renewable energy source Fossil Fuels are running out, the sun will not run out for five billion years Solar systems are easily installed Solar power is low maintenance House modules take up small amounts of space There is no carbon dioxide or other pollutants released into the atmosphere There is no waste released into water sources

Disadvantages and Climate Issues Electricity can only be produced during hours of sunlight, making places near the poles and rainy places not very effective Solar thermal energy plants are require large amounts of land, sometimes causing environmental damage Solar systems cost large amounts of money Obstructions, such as trees and buildings can hinder solar panels effectiveness as they may block the sun Extremely inefficient compared to most energy sources, only turning 20% of potential energy into energy

Solar Devices Solar Power is used for a variety of purposes, from powering cities to complex gadgets Most solar devices are built around photovoltaic cells and solar panels Photovoltaic cells form solar modules with form solar arrays

Solar Panels

Solar Phone Charger

A Solar Plane!

A Solar Car!

A Solar Boat!

Solar Lamps