1. By Elizabeth Boyer, Carolyn Robertson, Karleigh Cresswell

2.  It is radiant energy produced by the sun  Without its presence all life on earth would end  Often called “alternative energy” to fossil fuel energy sources such as oil and coal  The production of oxygen and food would be impossible without solar energy  Solar Collectors transform short wavelengths into long wavelengths and trap this energy in the form of heat which is transferred and transported into a heat storage vault  Solar panels convert selected wavelengths of light into electricity Carolyn Robertson

3.  Sun produces nuclear reaction  The nuclear reaction releases energy that travels outward to the surface of the Sun  On the way to the surface the energy transforms  When the energy releases it is mostly light energy (sunlight)  Major types of solar energy that make it to Earth are light and heat Carolyn Robertson

5.  Solar power is renewable  Solar power is an environmentally friendly electricity option that does not emit any pollutants  Currently in the United States, solar power represents about 1 percent of energy used from renewable resources  “One of the most promising renewable energy sources in the world” Carolyn Robertson

6.  20 years ago solar energy cost 7 times as much  Solar energy cost will continue to decline as the market grows  It depends on: size of household, solar energy system you choose and how much sunshine you receive  A solar hot water system will cost between US $2,000 and $4,000  A photovoltaic system will cost between US $8,000 and $10,000 for a 1kW system. (or $8 - $10 /Watt)  An average American family, living in a 3-bedroom home will require a 1.5 - 3kW system, which will cost between US $13,000 and US $27,000 Carolyn Robertson

7.  The thing about solar energy is that it is virtually free to use.  Solar energy causes no pollution when you generate it.  You can get financial incentives from the government to help you pay for your system.  There was a law passed a couple of years ago that allows you to "sell" your excess power back to the utility, reducing or eliminating your bills, and covering your need for power at night.  You don't need to order any fuel to be delivered to your house, and you can't run out.  Solar power does not suffer from inflation and increasing prices.  Typically there are no or few moving parts to a solar installation, cutting down on maintenance.  Solar power can be generated anywhere, even if there is no local electrical supplier, so you can have power in remote areas.  Using solar power reduces the amount of fossil fuel burnt, and decreases greenhouse gas creation. Karleigh Cresswell

8.  The thing about solar energy is that it is typically expensive to install. This means that the effective cost of the power is high compared with just buying it from your local utility company.  Solar panels can take up a lot of space.  You may find that your roof is not at a good orientation or angle to the sun, which would make the installation on your roof less effective or not possible.  You can't make solar power at night, so you have to have a way to store it.  Your power output will also be affected by bad weather. Karleigh Cresswell

9. Solar power facilities reduce the environmental impacts of combustion used in fossil fuel power generation, such as impacts from green house gases and other air pollution emissions. Solar panels may contain hazardous materials that could be released when a panel is damaged or disposed of improperly. Concentrating solar energy systems may also use potentially hazardous materials like oils and molten salts, creating the potential for spills. Karleigh Cresswell

10.  Installed 3,806 megawatts of PV solar energy in 2009  eight times more than U.S.  Public awareness contributes to success  Want 100% renewable energy by 2050 Elizabeth Boyer

11.  New Mexico and Arizona are best, and California, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Colorado are good.  They are good because they are closer to the equator  areas with consistent sun have greater solar potential as well  The closer to one of the Poles the less effective solar Energy is. Elizabeth Boyer

12.  There is solar energy in Minnesota, like every other state.  Not that big of an industry  Still effective source if used in the right areas Elizabeth Boyer

13.  http://www.homedesignfind.com/green/germany-overturns-solar-rules-to-win-decathlon-with- 200-solar-home/ http://www.homedesignfind.com/green/germany-overturns-solar-rules-to-win-decathlon-with- 200-solar-home/  http://www.motherearthnews.com/Renewable-Energy/Solar-Incentives-Solar-Power- Resources.aspx#ixzz1r0P1kwd0 http://www.motherearthnews.com/Renewable-Energy/Solar-Incentives-Solar-Power- Resources.aspx#ixzz1r0P1kwd0  http://www.facts-about-solar-energy.com/solar-energy-cost.html http://www.facts-about-solar-energy.com/solar-energy-cost.html  http://www.jc-solarhomes.com/solar_energy_facts.htm http://www.jc-solarhomes.com/solar_energy_facts.htm  http://www.altenergy.org/renewables/solar.html  http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/positive-negative-effects-solar-energy-2684.html http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/positive-negative-effects-solar-energy-2684.html  http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Pros-And-Cons-Of-Solar-Energy&id=931935 http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Pros-And-Cons-Of-Solar-Energy&id=931935