Solar Energy

Ariel Sanz, Trisha Reznick, Cortney Schoenberger, and Vanessa Smith

What Is Solar Energy?

• Solar energy is:– Energy derived from the sun in the form

of radiation

Uses of Solar Energy

1. Heat your home2. Generate electricity3. Heat water in your home (or

swimming pool)4. Light up your home indoors and

outdoors5. Dry your clothes when they’re put

out on te clothesline

Solar Energy

PROS Earth friendly No pollution Alternative energy source

(doesn’t deplete fossil fuels)

Renewable Produces energy quietly Free source of electricity Lessen dependence on

fossil fuels Available wherever sun is

CONS The initial cost of solar

cells can be over $1000 Takes a long time to

break even on initial installation costs

Only useful during daylight hours

Cannot be used on cloudy/rainy days(not entirely reliable)

Efficiency can be lowered due to current high pollution levels

Therefore use is not more widespread

How Solar Energy Works

How Does It Work?

• Making electricity out of solar energy is called photovoltaic.

• Electrical energy from the sun light is resulting from the electromagnetic radiation of the sunlight.

• Converting electrical energy from solar energy can be done by using solar thermal electric power plants, Power towers, parabolic troughs etc.

• Hybrid solar lighting is one method of using natural light; this is done by focusing mirrors, sunlight is collected and diverted through optical fibers into the interior of the buildings to provided the building with power.

Solar Water Heater

Solar Street Light