I chose Solar Energy

1) Describe the energy source. (What is it? How does it work?)

Solar Energy is energy that is taken from the sun and used in everyday life

2) Is the energy source considered renewable or nonrenewable?

The energy source is considered renewable because the sun cant run out

3) What is the history of the energy source?

The history of solar energy started back in 1876. William Grylls Adams along with a student of his, Richard
Day, discovered that when selenium was exposed to light, it produced electricity.

4) Where is the energy source found?

The energy source is found in space.

5) How is the energy source recovered?

Solar is found everywhere the sun shines. Sun light is collected by solar panels, and then we just store that
energy in a battery bank, or put straight to use on loads. Solar energy can be collected, because of something
called the photovoltaic process. It turns the solar energy into electricity.

6) How is the energy source stored once it is recovered?

The energy source is store by using the chemical source Selenium to trap the sunlight and create electricity.

7) How is the energy source used today?

Solar energy is used everywhere today and its mostly used in things such as solar panels

8) Is the energy source efficient? (production costs compared to energy production)

Yes I would say solar energy is efficient considering you dont really need to pay for it and it saves a lot of
money.

9) What are the capital costs or setup costs involved in using the energy source?
At the time of this writing, the installed cost of solar panels was between $7-$9 per watt: A 5 kW system
would cost around $25,000-$35,000. Many utility companies offer incentives, and some subsidize as much as 50%
of system costs.

10) Are there ongoing operating costs involved when using the energy source?
The average cost of an annual inspection for a household rooftop solar PV system is approximately
$150.00. The average cost of having your panels cleaned by a reputable solar installation company ranges from
$10.00 $20.00 per panel.
11) What are the advantages of the energy source?
Advantages of Solar. Solar energy is a resource that is not only sustainable for energy consumption, it is
indefinitely renewable. Solar power can be used to generate electricity, it is also used in relatively simple
technology to heat water.

12) What are the disadvantages of the energy source? (finding, extracting, manufacturing, using)
The primary disadvantage of solar power is that it obviously cannot be created during the night. The power
generated is also reduced during times of cloud cover (although energy is still produced on a cloudy day). Solar
panel energy output is maximized when the panel is directly facing the sun.

13) What is the economic impact of the energy source?

Solar power is an alternative energy source to coal and natural gas. Switching to solar energy would help
reduce the environmental costs (pollution, global warming) associated with fossil fuels.

14) What is the environmental impact of the energy source?

The potential environmental impacts associated with solar power are land use and habitat loss, water use,
and the use of hazardous materials in manufacturing.

15) Is there a high cost to the consumer in using the energy source?
Yes due to the fact that for one solar panel is would cost about $25,000.

16) Are there any other interesting facts about the energy source?
Solar power produces no pollution, which is a by-product of non-renewable energy consumption and one of
the biggest global killers. It affects as many people as HIV or malaria and has a serious effect on children, whose
bodies are often more vulnerable than those of adults.

17) What is the future of the energy source?

The future of solar energy is bright no pun intended due to the fact that the price to create solar panels are
becoming lower and lower.

18) What were the sources of your information?

http://www.ecowatch.com/this-one-chart-says-it-all-for-the-future-of-solar-energy-1891149770.html
http://www.google.com
1. Petroleum - fossil fuels for cars, trucks, and jets
2. Natural Gas - portable fuel used in grills
3. Biomass - Energy from wood waste and garbage
4. Solar Energy - Energy in rays from the sun
5. Wind - Energy from moving air
6. Geothermal - Energy from heat inside the earth
7. Nuclear - fossil fuel gas moved by pipeline
8. Hydroelectric - energy from flowing water
9. Hydrogen - energy from splitting atoms
10. Coal - black rock burned to make electricity