Solar energy/solar power
What is solar power?
power obtained by harnessing the energy of the sun's rays
Define photovoltaic- break up the word!
photo- light
voltaic- volts (electricity)
Something that uses light energy to generate electricity
In a solar cooker, light energy is transferred to
thermal (heat) energy
Capturing sunlight and putting it to work is difficult
because _____________.
The solar energy that reaches earth is spread out over a large area.
Out of all of the energy sources on the planet, the ______ is the most powerful source.
sun
What are the 2 types of energy we get from the sun?
1. Radiant 2. Thermal
What is the requirement for generating electricity?
What is the price of a solar cooker from solar cookers international? ***
$5
What are solar companies doing so that solar panels are more accessible to the public?
Homeowners can "lease" panels with no down payment!
What happens to the sunlight the reaches the earth? Name 2 events.
About 15 percent of the radiant energy that
reaches the earth is reflected back into space. Another 30 percent is used to evaporate water, which is
lifted into the atmosphere and produces rainfall. Radiant energy is also absorbed by plants, the land,
and the oceans.
Which desert houses the largest concentrating solar power plant? ***
Mojave Desert
Where can you find solar cells in our everyday lives?
Solar panels
Why is solar cooking useful in developing countries? Give 2 reason
- purify drinking water
- minimizes deforestation
- cheap method of cooking
- an outdoor form of cooking (minimizes illnesses related to indoor cooking)
What are 2 advantages for solar power?
produce energy without generating waste or pollution
operate with little maintenance or intervention
low operating costs
uses a renewable resource
Can be used at remote sites like satellites, island communities, remote locations and ocean vessels
What conditions are necessary for nuclear fusion to occur? Where does nuclear fusion happen?
Super high temperatures and pressures. Happens in the sun and the stars
Name the 3 types of solar power
1. Solar cells (PV)
2. Solar water heaters
3. Solar furnaces
What is the sun's role in generating solar power from a PV cell?
Light energy releases electrons from the n-type layer.
List 2 materials and THEIR ROLES for making a solar cooker.
Box (space to place food items)
Panels (collects sunlight)
Mirrors/reflects (concentrates sunlight)
Metal- conducts heat
Plastic covering- traps heat
What are 3 disadvantages of solar power?
systems do not work at night
require a large amount of money to set up
for larger applications, many panels are needed, meaning large land requirements
- dependent upon the location and climate
The typical cost for the purchase of solar cells are ________________ to _______________. (2019)
$25,000-40,000
What is the ultimate type of solar energy?
Nuclear fusion
There are 2 main parts to a solar cell- n type and p-type. What does n and p stand for? ***
n= negative, p= positive
Solar cookers can be used in colder climates (even when there's snow on the ground!). Provide an explanation for why this works.
Where are solar panels most used? List the top 4 countries. ***
1. China
2. US
3. Japan
4. Germany
Over its 35-year expected life, a 10 kW system will provide CO2 reduction equivalent to planting _______ trees
1450