1. Solar Energy Amar Krijestorac Haley Rashid Relicious Eboh

2. What can Solar Energy be used for? Solar Energy plays a big part in the photosynthesis of plants. Which primary species consume. This is important for the well being of different species. Solar Energy plays a big part in the photosynthesis of plants. Which primary species consume. This is important for the well being of different species. Plants would die without solar energy. Without the plants cleaning our air or providing healthy vegetation we would have a hard time surviving too. Plants would die without solar energy. Without the plants cleaning our air or providing healthy vegetation we would have a hard time surviving too. Solar Energy provides heating for homes and water Solar Energy provides heating for homes and water Solar energy is also frequently used for transportation signaling, such as offshore navigation buoys, lighthouses, aircraft warning light structures, and increasingly in road traffic warning signals. Solar energy is also frequently used for transportation signaling, such as offshore navigation buoys, lighthouses, aircraft warning light structures, and increasingly in road traffic warning signals.

3. How is solar energy renewed? There are housing systems that sell energy back to the solar panel after use. There are housing systems that sell energy back to the solar panel after use. People use a power station system this is where a specific building is set up to collect the energy from the sun and distribute it. This is a great way for electricity companies to make a real difference to the environment People use a power station system this is where a specific building is set up to collect the energy from the sun and distribute it. This is a great way for electricity companies to make a real difference to the environment Most solar panels can be recycled and reused to create newer solar panels Most solar panels can be recycled and reused to create newer solar panels Solar panels constantly get energy from the sun and solar panels store what energy they have collected so there isn't any worries of the main source of energy not being there for a short amount of time. Solar panels constantly get energy from the sun and solar panels store what energy they have collected so there isn't any worries of the main source of energy not being there for a short amount of time.

4. What is the cost of using this type of energy resources? At the time of this writing, the installed cost of solar panels was between $7-$9 per watt: A 5 kW system would cost around $25,000-$35,000. Many utility companies offer incentives, and some subsidize as much as 50% of system costs. Even at half the cost, though, a system that generates an average $75 of electricity per month could take a long time to pay for itself. At the time of this writing, the installed cost of solar panels was between $7-$9 per watt: A 5 kW system would cost around $25,000-$35,000. Many utility companies offer incentives, and some subsidize as much as 50% of system costs. Even at half the cost, though, a system that generates an average $75 of electricity per month could take a long time to pay for itself.

5. Positive Aspects to Using Solar Energy You don’t pay for sunlight. There is the initial investment for the equipment, after the initial capital outlay you won’t be receiving a bill every month for the rest of your life from the electric utility. The abundance of Solar Energy. In the winter each square meter of land still receives a fair amount of solar radiation. Sunlight is everywhere and the resource is practically inexhaustible.

6. Solar energy is getting more cost effective. The technology for solar energy is evolving at an increasing rate. At present photovoltaic technology is still relatively expensive but the technology is improving and production is increasing. The result of this is to drive costs down. Solar energy is non-polluting. Solar energy is an alternative for fossil fuels like coal and petroleum because the energy is emission free while generating electricity. With solar energy the danger of further damage to the environment is minimized. Noise pollution is also reduced. Accessibility of solar power in remote locations. Solar power can generate electricity no matter how remote the area as long as the sun shines there.

7. Negative Aspects Storage Units – Storing the heat energy in water may cause health problems from mold Storage Units – Storing the heat energy in water may cause health problems from mold Solar Panels – Exposure to silicon dust can cause breathing problems and for some, even death. Solar Panels – Exposure to silicon dust can cause breathing problems and for some, even death. Photovoltaic Cells – Harmless, may cause health problems if not handled carefully Photovoltaic Cells – Harmless, may cause health problems if not handled carefully Cost / Efficiency – Solar Panels and installation are very expensive Cost / Efficiency – Solar Panels and installation are very expensive

8. What is the science behind Solar Energy? Sun’s heat and light are converted to electricity in Photovoltaic Cells (PV) The panels are mounted at an angle facing south. Panels mostly made of silicon, which creates an electric charge when exposed to sunlight. Some solar cells use nonsilicon materials, solar inks/dyes, and conductive plastics.

9. How is energy stored? Sun only provides energy for part of the day. On cloudy days or at night, we use the stored solar energy. Sun only provides energy for part of the day. On cloudy days or at night, we use the stored solar energy. For Solar Electricity: Battery Bank – group of batteries wired together Net-metering – excess electricity during day is sent to grid. At night, pull energy from grid. For Solar Heating: energy can be stored using thermal mass and water tanks

10. What’s preventing widespread use? There are no waste products or dangerous gases that pollute environment at all There are no waste products or dangerous gases that pollute environment at all Currently, solar panels account for <1% on global scale Currently, solar panels account for <1% on global scale Main objective is how to reduce cost and improve efficiency Main objective is how to reduce cost and improve efficiency

11. Easily Accessible to the General Public It's a theory that in about 40-50 years, when we have "used up" our main energy sources, solar energy will become readily available to everyone. It's a theory that in about 40-50 years, when we have "used up" our main energy sources, solar energy will become readily available to everyone.

12. Products that use Solar Energy Trash cans Trash cans Calculators Calculators Lamps Lamps Cell Phone chargers Cell Phone chargers Dryers Dryers Furnace Furnace