How Does This Technology Work?
Solar Energy is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy.
Cars, Home electricity systems, calculators and more are energized by the sun and other sources of light.
Solar Photovoltaics are machines used to convert sunlight into electricity.
Photovoltaics (also known as PV’s) are thin, metallic plates that transform the heat from the sun into electricity that we can use to power necessities.
What Can This Type of Energy be Used For?
Solar energy can be used for heat and electricity.
When converted to thermal energy, solar energy can be used to:
Heat water - for use in homes, buildings, or swimming pools
Heat spaces - inside homes, greenhouses, and other buildings
When converted to thermal energy, solar energy can be used to:
Heat water - for use in homes, buildings, or swimming pools
Heat spaces - inside homes, greenhouses, and other buildings
What are the Positive Aspects?
Positive Aspects of Solar Energy
- Virtually free to use.
- Causes no pollution
- You can get financial incentives from the government to help pay for the system.
- You don’t need to order any fuel and you can’t run out.
- Using Solar Power reduces amount of fossil fuel burnt and decreases the creation of green gas.
What are the Negative Aspects?
Negative Aspects of Solar Energy
- Solar Energy is expensive.
- Solar Panels can take up a lot of space.
- Not all rooftops have a good angle to the sun.
- Solar Power can not be made at night.
- The power output will be affected by bad weather.
What Percentage of the US Energy Comes from this Technology?
The U.S uses about 8% of this technology
