Solar PowerBy: Ashton Mitzel

History

1876

founded that when selenium is exposed to light it creates electricity, without using any heat or movement

1953, silicon solar cell was discovered

Produced enough electricity to power a small electrical device

1950-1960

Satellites in the USA’s space programs began to be powered by solar power

Soon became standard for powering all space satellites

1970

Discovered a way to decrease the price on solar power increasing the amount of people to use this method

Today we see many things powered by solar power such as cars, aircrafts, and many more

How does it work?

When sunlight hits the silicon panels, cause electrons to move around

Electrons the flow through wires converting the sunlight into electricity

With the power generating you can pretty much do anything you want with it.

Pros

• No pollution

• produces electricity very quietly

• ability to harness electricity in remote

• Very efficient

• eliminates the problem of finding the required space, can be placed on any rooftop

• The cost, once installed provides a free source of electricity,

• less dependent on the worlds fossil fuel supplies.

Cons

• initial installation of solar panels very costly

• only able to generate electricity during daylight hours.

• weather can affect the efficiency of solar cells.

• as pollution levels can affect a solar cells efficiency, effecting businesses that want to install solar panels in heavily polluted areas(cities)

Examples in B.C.

• Use of solar power modules in BC is at sites that have no access to grid power, such as some radio repeater stations, remote monitoring stations, and some homes

• Since you are allowed to install solar power panels on you house or businesses

How much does it coast?

• installed solar powers in BC costs around $3 per watt or $15,000 for a 3kW system

• The installation of the solar powers is the expensive part as the electricity is from the sun so therefore its practically free

INTERESTING FACT!!

Solar panels are also called photovoltaic panels. "Photo" means light and "voltaic" means electricity.