1. Period 1 Jason Hong Iris La Mabel Chan
Solar Power
Period 1
Jason Hong
Iris La
Mabel Chan

2. Source
SUN

3. Cost
Costs significantly higher than hydrocarbon fuels to generate electricity
Avg. system cost: $95 per square foot
Avg. solar panel output: 10.6 watts per square foot
Avg. solar energy system costs: $8.95 perr watt

4. Equipment
Solar panels; photons in suns rays strike the electrons so they are free to carry an electrical charge
Semi-conductive materials (mostly silicon) are used

5. Efficiency 15% of sun’s energy is converted into the sun
Initial costs are high (5-KW system costs $45,000)
Not very efficient now, but technology will improve in the future

6. Consumption/Usage Provides less than 1% of U.S. needs
Provides less than 1% of worldwide energy consumption historically and in the foreseeable future

7. Disadvantages Not usable during stormy weather or night time
Not efficient in areas with little sunlight
Initial costs are very expensive

8. Disadvantages
Always need to be facing the sun without blockage; hard to get sunlight in the valley
Improper disposal can pollute the environment; solar panels contain toxic materials like lead and sulfur

9. Advantages
Makes no noise
Very little maintenance to keep running; no moving parts
Money evens out in the long run

10. Advantages
Technology is improving consistently
Easy to install; no cords or power sources
Safe for animals

11. Advantages Completely renewable
Energy can be stored in batteries and used whenever
Absolutely no pollution