Solar PowerBy Zach Lytle, Jared Freeman, Kyle Lewiecki

Overview of Solar PowerThe solar power is energy produced by the

sunIt is produced through nuclear fusionThe energy then goes through space to earth

in the form of light and heat energyThe energy is then used in various ways from

producing electricity to heating systems for houses

As it is considered a “Green Energy” it is heavily subsidized by the government

Nuclear FusionNuclear fusion is the process of the nuclei

colliding and bonding into one nucleus (the center of an atom)

In stars the reaction occurs most commonly between hydrogen atoms, forming helium atoms

In the process matter is not conservedDue to the law of conservation of energy, as

matter is destroyed, energy therefore must be produced

The energy is in the form of photons (like light)

Nuclear Fusion ContinuedEnergy is produced in reactions of materials

weighing less than ironThe reaction requires extreme amounts of

energy to start, currently the only way humans can start this reaction is through a nuclear explosion

In stars there is plenty of energy to support the reaction

All active stars do this reaction

Photovoltaic CellsThere are four types of photovoltaic cellsThey are built out of the following Two layers of silicon, one negative, one

positiveA layer of anti reflective plasticMetal conductorsMetal backingEach 1/100 of an inch thickSilicon is a semi conductor

Photovoltaic Cells ContinuedPhotons from the sun come and hit the cells, some

are reflected, some absorbed and some pass throughThe ones that are absorbed are absorbed by the

silicon semiconductorThe electrons of the negatively charged layer are

knocked loose from the atoms by the photonsOnce the electrons are moving a current is formed,

which can be converted into electricityThe electrons take the energy from the photon and

give it to electrons of atomsEach produces ½ a volt of energy

Pictures

Passive Solar SystemsA passive solar system does not use any

mechanics or electricity to gather the sun’s energy and will not track the sun across the sky

Materials on the house are used to collect or reflect the suns energy

One example of a passive solar system is a heating system

The heat from the sun’s rays heat air or water that then is distributed through the house to heat it

For water the heated air goes over the pipes heating the water inside

Passive Solar Systems ContinuedPassive solar systems are also used to cool

house, as the material on the houses reflect the heat

Active Solar SystemActive solar systems use mechanics and

electricity to aid in the collecting energy of the sun

Some solar panels use an active solar system to track the sun across the sky to let the solar panels produce energy for a longer period of time

Active Solar HeatingThis heating system differs from an passive

heating system as it uses pumps to bring the water to a solar panel to be heated and then back around through the house to heat air to warm the house

Advantages of Solar EnergyIt is a renewable energy sourceFossil Fuels are running out, the sun will not

run out for five billion years Solar systems are easily installed Solar power is low maintenanceHouse modules take up small amounts of

spaceThere is no carbon dioxide or other pollutants

released into the atmosphereThere is no waste released into water sources

Disadvantages and Climate IssuesElectricity can only be produced during hours of

sunlight, making places near the poles and rainy places not very effective

Solar thermal energy plants are require large amounts of land, sometimes causing environmental damage

Solar systems cost large amounts of moneyObstructions, such as trees and buildings can hinder

solar panels effectiveness as they may block the sunExtremely inefficient compared to most energy

sources, only turning 20% of potential energy into energy

Solar DevicesSolar Power is used for a variety of purposes,

from powering cities to complex gadgetsMost solar devices are built around

photovoltaic cells and solar panelsPhotovoltaic cells form solar modules with

form solar arrays

Solar Panels

Solar Phone Charger

A Solar Plane!

A Solar Car!

A Solar Boat!

Solar Lamps