2.  Solar energy is the result of thermonuclear fusion reactions deep within the sun.  Solar energy is the most abundant and most powerful energy source in the planet.  Enough solar energy hits the earth in one hour to power the world for a year.

3.  Solar Energy can be harvested through use of photovoltaic cells.  Photovoltaic cells work by photons from sunlight knocking electrons into a higher state electrons into a higher state of energy, creating electricity.

4.   Photovoltaic “solar cells” change sunlight directly into electricity.   PV systems are often used in remote locations that are not connected to the electric grid.   used to power watches, calculators, and lighted road signs   Solar Power Plants - indirectly generate electricity when the heat from solar thermal collectors is used to heat a fluid which produces steam that is used to power a generator.

5.  Produces a direct electrical current that can power equipment or recharge batteries  Can be used to power orbiting satellites, electronic devices, and homes.

6.  Today less than 0.1% of our heating, transportation and power energy comes from direct sunlight although it is now possible to meet all our energy needs with this renewable resource.  Energy from sun striking the earth in 40 minutes is equal to global consumption for a year  Technology is already available  No efficient storage system is available (no energy at night)  Currently, the answer is no. Not by itself.

7.  Because of large costs of solar panel installation, new policies will have to be enacted.  Huge tracts of land would have to be leased in order for solar plants to become an efficient national energy source  Government would have to provide substantial subsidies to private home owners and companies for solar panel installation in order to motivate them  Private solar panel companies would have to lower prices for benefit of consumer

8.  After initial investment, the upkeep and other costs are extremely cheaper than current electrical costs.  Government rebates soften intial investment.  Does not require fuel and is therefore immune to the rising gas prices  Indirectly lowers health costs Cost  Large initial investment ($400 billion)  Cost to build solar panels is substantial  Extremely large government investment required in order to support widespread installation Overall, solar energy would eventually pay off the large initial investment and more.

9.  Does not emit harmful by- products (none in fact)  does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.  By not using any fuel, Solar Energy does not contribute to the cost and problems of the recovery and transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste. Environmental Concerns  Requires large tracts of land AL GORE!!!

10.  Solar Energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied energy consumption. It does not only reduce electricity costs, but will also continue to supply electricity in the event of a power outage.  A Solar Energy system can operate entirely independently, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid at all.  Solar panels require quite a large area for installation to achieve a good level of efficiency. (no energy at night)  The efficiency of the system also relies on the location of the sun. Also, efficiency, is lowered by pollution and clouds.  No good way to store the electricity. Efficiency The main problem is that little or no energy can be obtained at night. If there was a better way of storing the electricity, this problem could be solved

11.  The amount of sunlight that arrives at the earth's surface is not constant. It depends on location, time of day, time of year, and weather conditions.  Because the sun doesn't deliver that much energy to any one place at any one time, a large surface area is required to collect the energy at a useful rate.  Solar energy is free, and its supplies are unlimited. Using solar energy produces no air or water pollution but does have some indirect impacts on the environment. For example, manufacturing the photovoltaic cells used to convert sunlight into electricity, consumes silicon and produces some waste products. Other

12.  Solar Energy has the potential to supply the world’s electricity  However, large-scale government support is needed  There is an energy crisis  Solar energy is not a solution by itself because of lack of technology for storage.  it should be supplemented by other alternative energy sources, such as wind.