Solar Energy

Maggie Dye
 What is Solar?

Solar power is a type of radiant energy obtained from the sun.

In other words, solar energy is sunshine.
Where do you get the Solar and how
is it harvested?
This energy source is obtained from the sun.
Thermal energy from the sun is harvested through heat
absorption. This is done by the use of solar panels.
 How is the Solar energy transported and
converted to a usable energy?
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic (PV) cells.
These PV cells convert sunlight into direct current
(DC) electricity throughout the day (so long as the
sun is shining). Then an invertor converts the DC
electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity.
The AC electricity is then sent from the invertor to
the consumers electrical panel (also often called a
breaker box to power lights and appliances with
solar energy.
A utility meter measures the consumers energy
use. It goes backward when the system generates
more power than the consumer needs. This excess
solar energy offsets the energy the consumer uses
at night.
How many times must Solar energy be
converted and what is the converted
energy source?

The converted energy

source is thermal energy,
which is then used to
create electrical energy.
 What is the converted solar energy
used for?

The converted solar energy is

used to power lights and
appliances in businesses, homes,
or other buildings.

How solar energy is

used in residential
buildings
What are the benefits and
disadvantages of the energy source?
Benefits
Electric bills are reduced and over
time the cost of getting the solar
power will pay off
Environmental impact is reduced,
because solar is a sustainable energy
source and is a renewable form of
energy
Solar energy systems do not usually
require much maintenance
Disadvantages
Cannot transfer energy at night or when
the sun is not shining, so consumers still
need to be connected to a regular power
grid at night, though the cost is offset by
any extra energy stored during the day
Depending on how long the consumer will
utilize the power before moving, the payoff
may not be worth it in the end (based on
how much the solar originally costed)
 Resources

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/energy/solar-energ
y
http://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=solar_w
here
http://www.solarcity.com/commercial/how-does-solar-energy-w
ork
http://www.nwwindandsolar.com/solar-power-in-seattle-and-th
e-northwest/how-do-solar-systems-produce-energy/
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/globa
l-warming/solar-power-profile/
http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=solar_home-basics