HAND MADE SECONDARY SCHOOL, KUJE

FCT, ABUJA

ASSIGNMENT ON

SUBJECT: PHYSICS

QUESTION:

Solar Energy
Sources of Solar Energy
Importance of Solar Energy
Advantages of Solar Energy

SUBMITTED BY

AMANDA UKECHUKWU

CLASS: SS 1A

JULY, 2017
 SOLAR ENERGY

Solar Energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range
of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal
energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.

SOURCE OF SOLAR ENERGY

Solar energy is energy generated by the sun.

1. Passive Solar

This involves using the sun for light and heat, including warming rooms in
winter, drying clothes and sun-drying foods, such as prunes, apples, apricots
and sultanas.

Many houses and other buildings are designed to make the best use of
passive solar energy by including features such as eaves to keep summer sun
out and winter sun in, north-facing windows to maximise solar gain in
winter, and insulation to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

What solar-friendly features does your house have?

2. Thermal Solar

Thermal solar technology involves collecting heat from the sun and storing it
for later use. Solar water heating is a good example of thermal solar energy.
 3. Photovoltaic Solar (PV)

Photovoltaic cells (solar cells) are used regularly on rooftops of homes and
other buildings to supply them with electricity.

This happens as follows:

1. Energy from the sun is captured by the solar cells, where it is

converted into an electrical current.
2. The electricity is fed into a power box, which is located on the house
(or other building).
3. From the power box the electricity can be used for energy needs, such
as lighting or heating.

Solar Energy - the facts

The sun is a fantastic source of energy. It is clean, sustainable and can be

used without any complicated equipment. Next time you are cold, don't turn
on a heater - stand out in the sun and warm up!
People have always used the sun as a source of energy - to warm themselves,
grow crops, and to dry things like clothes and food.
Environmental factors such as the weather, time of year and location all
influence the amount of sunlight available, but solar energy can be harnessed
at any time of the year.

IMPORTANCE OF SOLAR ENERGY TO HOMEOWNERS

Then there are reasons why solar energy is important to homeowners as well.
Some of these reasons are...
 Having a positive impact on our environment
Solar energy saves homeowners money now and in the future
Allows homeowners to have energy independence

But at an individual level, everyone is motivated by different things. Some

people are interested in solar energy for the environmental benefits, others
see solar energy as a way to reduce their electricity costs, and yet others are
looking to solar energy as a way to leave a positive legacy for their children.

MODERN IMPORTANCE OF SOLAR ENERGY

During modern times, we've become reliant on fossil fuels. This has allowed us to
develop our cultures and economies tremendously, but has come at a steep price.

Due to the side-effects of using fossil fuels, the use of solar energy has become
important to mankind once again. Some of the reasons solar energy is important
are...

Global energy demand is increasing

Continued usage of fossil fuels is damaging our environment
Solar energy is one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels

VARIOUS ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY

There are many advantages that solar energy has to offer over traditional sources
of energy like coal and oil. Not only it is completely renewable but is also protects
the environment. Here are some of the advantages of solar energy.
 1. Its a renewable resource

Solar energy is a renewable source of energy as it can be used to produce

electricity as long as the sun exists. Sunshine occurs naturally. As long as we are
alive, we are always going to see the sun, which means it is infinite. This energy
can be harnessed by installing solar panels that can reduce our dependence on other
countries for consistent supply of coal to produce electricity. This makes it an
attractive energy prospect for most countries that are looking to go completely
green in the future.

Although solar energy cannot be produced during night and cloudy days but it can
be used again and again during day time. Solar energy from sun is consistent and
constant power source and can be used to harness power even in remote locations.

2. Its eco-friendly

If you are scavenging the internet in search of ways to minimize your carbon
footprints, solar energy is the surefire answer. Solar energy will not only help you
dial back on your carbon footprint, but also oversize your systems to ensure you
live in a carbon-free house. Some states in the U.S. even allow individuals to invest
in other peoples roofs to create a lot more solar energy.

Solar energy is an alternative for fossil fuels as it is non-polluting, clean, reliable

and renewable source of energy. It does not pollute the air by releasing harmful
gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide or sulphur oxide. So, the risk of damage
to the environment is reduced. Solar energy also does not require any fuel to
produce electricity and thus avoids the problem of transportation of fuel or storage
of radioactive waste.
 3. Cuts back on electricity bill

One of the most interesting things about solar energy is that it can help you
minimize your annoying utility bills. You can accomplish this by installing solar
panels in your home. Solar energy takes up energy consuming activities like
heating water and heating homes. Solar energy has the potential to save you up to
20% of your energy costs, even after financing costs are factored in. And with the
ever rocketing of electricity costs, you could save up to $60,000 in the next 30
years.

4. Can enhance the value of a home

If you are looking to sell your home in the future, suffice to know that installation
of solar technologies can significantly increase its value. This especially manifests
in areas where buyers are more likely to buy a home installed with solar panels like
high populated cities where environmental degradation is taken seriously by the
authorities. According to research findings, solar panels can add up to $20,000 to
the value of a house. This figure represents the amount required to install a solar
panel, which means you will be able to recoup your money when you sell the
property. That represents a bright investment in your property.

5. Requires little maintenance

The cost of installing a solar panel can be high. But once its up and running, you
will enjoy the benefits for many years, while injecting just a small amount for its
maintenance. If your energy needs change and you desire to add more panels, it
would be a lot easier. Initial cost that is incurred once can be recovered in the long
run that range from 10 years 15 years. Apart from this, solar panels does not
create any noise or release any toxic substances.
 6. Easy Installation

Solar panels are easy to install and does not require any wires, cords or power
sources. Unlike wind and geothermal power stations which require them to be tied
with drilling machines, solar panels does not require them and can be installed on
the rooftops which means no new space is needed and each home or business user
can generate their own electricity. Moreover, they can be installed in distributed
fashion which means no large scale installations are needed.
 REFERENCES

"Solar Energy Perspectives: Executive Summary" (PDF). International Energy

Agency. 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 December 2011.
"Energy". rsc.org.

"2014 Key World Energy Statistics" (PDF). iea.org. IEA. 2014. pp. 6, 24, 28.
Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 May 2015.

"Energy and the challenge of sustainability" (PDF). United Nations Development

Programme and World Energy Council. September 2000. Retrieved 17
January 2017. Smil (1991), p. 240

"Natural Forcing of the Climate System". Intergovernmental Panel on Climate