Operation S.M.A.R.T. Girls Incorporated ® of Greater Houston Solar Energy Workshop Sponsored by
Solar Power –Solar power is energy from the Sun.
Solar Energy Solar Energy –Refers to direct use of the Solar Power. –Energy arrives on Earth as light and heat. (Radiant Energy)
The Sun Located at the Center of Solar System; 150,000,000 kilometers from Earth. 1 million degrees Celsius at the Core. Only a small portion of energy produced (by the Sun) reaches Earth.
Harnessing Solar Energy Three kinds of Technology: –Solar Reflectors –Solar Collectors –Photovoltaic Cells –or- Solar Cells
Reflectors Use special lenses/mirrors that concentrate the sun’s rays to produce heat. Used to generate electricity, melt metals, cook foods, etc.
Collectors Converts radiant energy into heat. Used to heat building & provide hot water to homes. Two types of collectors: –ACTIVE –PASSIVE
Photovoltaic/Solar Cells Capture the Sun’s energy and convert it into electricity.
Photovoltaic/Solar Cells What are they made out of? –Two layers of silicon with chemicals in the middle. –One layer contains boron, which gives it a Negative charge (“N” layer). –Other layer has phosphorous which give it a Positive charge (“P” layer).
Photovoltaic Systems How do they work? –When you attach conducting wires (from generator) to the “P” and “N” layers, a power source is formed. –When the power source is exposed to sunlight, electrons flow from one layer to the other to produce electricity.
Photovoltaic Systems Some History –Developed in 1954 through the space program. –Were originally used as a means of recharging batteries and powering various systems in space crafts. –Currently used to produce electricity to power satellites in space.
Advantages of using Solar Energy It’s free. It’s renewable. It’s the cleanest and most exhaustible source of energy.
Disadvantages of using Solar Energy Power levels can vary. –Some days have little or no sun. It’s expensive to produce. –The high cost of solar energy technology stops it from being more widely used.