Mariana Plata Paulina Martinez 3A

What is Energy? Energy is the ability to do work. Energy is in everything. We use energy for everything we do, from making a jump shot to baking cookies to sending astronauts into space. Energy makes CHANGE possible.

Renewable Energy? What is it? It is energy that is generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished. This includes sunlight, geothermal heat, wind, tides, water, and various forms of biomass. This energy cannot be exhausted and is constantly renewed. Why is it important? *It protects our environment and health by avoiding the acid rain, smog and global warming. *Increase economic development. *Create new competition to help restrain fossil fuel price increases *Improve our national security *Conserve our natural resources for future generations *Stable jobs and local fuels rather than costly imports

How is solar energy harnessed? Solar energy can be harnessed by many ways and with various objects that are all around us. (Rocks, lakes, buildings and roads). o Solar concentrators, which use mirrors to concentrate the sunlight to small spots where boilers convert water to steam to run generators. o Coal and oil are the remnants of life from millions of years ago that would not have existed were it not for the sun. o But it is usually obtained by the use of solar panels. These panels reflect a certain amount of sunlight but also are able to absorb some in order to be transferred into usable energy.

What conditions need to be present to obtain this energy? o The Positioning of the Panel The panel needs to be exposed to as much sunlight as possible. o Weather conditions Solar energy systemsSolar energy systems will produce energy all year round, but will produce significantly less during the winter months. Solar panels can still generate energy even on a cloudy day. o The Time of Year The solar panels are capable of converting sunlight into electricity throughout the whole year, but the maximum production will be between from June to August. o The Type of Panel The most expensive and most efficient type is called a Monocrystalline Solar PV cell.

Advantages and Disadvantages: Advantages: Solar energy is free. It is environmentally friendly and no pollution is associated with solar power (it does not cause pollution) It can be used in remote areas where electricity is too expensive to extend the electricity power. It is renewable. Longevity - solar panels can last over forty years and are often warranteed for 25. Low maintenance - solar panels require very little upkeep

Disadvantage: Takes up a lot of space, Only works when Sun is shining. Only areas of the world with lots of sunlight and very low heat are suitable for solar power generation. Least power energy at night time. There is no guarantee of sunlight in stormy climate or during rain. Large Surface Area Required.