2. Solar Energy Powering the world with the energy of the Sun

3. What is Solar Energy? Solar energy is the process of harvesting the power of the sun. You can look at solar energy by what type of energy its converted into: Solar thermal energy Concentrating solar power Photovoltaic solar power

4. Solar Thermal Energy Solar thermal energy is the process of collecting the sun’s infrared rays to heat things, for example, water, or air. Solar thermal panels are classified in 3 different ways: Low-temperature Medium-temperature High-temperature Low-temperature panels are flat and are usually used to heat swimming pools. Medium-temperature panel are also flat and are used to heat water or air. High-temperature panels use mirrors or lenses and are usually used for electric power production. Heating water with a solar thermal panel.

5. Concentrated Solar Power This is a type of solar thermal energy that consists of mirrors that concentrate large amounts of sunlight onto a small area. This heats water, which evaporates and turns into steam that turns a heat engine, usually a steam engine, and produces electricity. This process works best in a cloud free environment, because it needs direct sunlight. (High-temperature thermal energy)

6. Photovoltaic Solar Power Photovoltaic solar power converts sunlight directly into electrical energy by using a solar cell. Solar cells make energy by receiving not only sunlight, but any type of electromagnetic radiation.

8. Even though photovoltaic solar power represents less than 3% of all energy produced, it is the fastest growing energy business in the world. The next graph shows what United States is looking toward for the future:

9. Solar power represents less than one percent of energy. So if the US wants to get it over 100%, the harvesting of solar energy must increase dramatically.

10. Where is Solar Power Mostly Produced? 1)South Korea– Recently, they built the biggest power plant in the world, holding 109,000 solar panels. 2) China- They alone produce more solar panels than the rest of the world. Unfortunately, they don’t use them much. For the 2008 Olympics, they installed about 1,100 solar panels on the roof of the Beijing Olympics stadium. 3) Spain- All new non-residential buildings have solar panels to produce part of the electricity they need. 4) Portugal- One of Europe’s sunniest locations. They have one large solar farm, with 52,000 solar panels.

11. Pros and Cons Pros: Solar panels give off no pollution. It produces energy quietly. Produces energy anywhere, for example, in space, where they are not linked to power from Earth. It doesn’t require extra space, because it can be installed on rooftops. Solar energy makes us less dependant of fossil fuels for energy. There are systems to accumulate energy, so you can store energy that was produced but you didn’t use. No need to replace or maintain parts. It is a renewable resource. Cons: The price of solar cells are high. Currently, highly efficient ones can cost more than $1,000, and homes may need more than one. They can only produce energy during the day. Weather can affect the efficiency of the solar cells, so bad weather can make solar cells not wok as well. Pollution affects solar cell efficiency, so if a building in a large city wanted to install a solar panel, it wouldn’t work as well because the air is more polluted. Not every place in the world receives a lot of sunlight.

12. Climate Change Solar power makes no pollution, so many people think it is the future of providing energy for the world. Scientists have proved that every two years, the amount of solar power produced is doubled. They predict that in 20 years, the solar power industry will grow by 1000%, this is enough to power every home in the world.

13. We Can Save The Earth Solar Energy Does Not Emit Greenhouse Gasses The future of energy: Now we know how to create energy without climate change

14. Solar Energy Gets Cheaper Every Year This graph shows price of solar electricity in cents per Kilowatt. So by 2020, the estimate is about 10 cents per kilowatt. A small heater could need 1 kilowatt to power.

15. Recent Solar Power News A Prison In Indiana Switches To Solar Power To Trim Budget April 23 An prison in Indiana has decided to install solar panels to heat its water, and they estimate they will save $6,000 every year. They will install 15 solar panels that measure 4 by 10 feet. The prisoners need hot water to shower, and the officials thought this is the best solution. It will cost about $75,000 to install, but they estimate it will pay back in 15 years.

16. Original Article State Prison Switches To Solar Power To Trim Budget CARLISLE, Ind. -- An Indiana prison hopes to save $6,000 a year in by using solar power to provide hot water for inmate showers. The Wabash Valley Correctional Facility has been heating the water in one maximum-security housing unit with solar panels through a project that began in February. The unit houses 200 inmates and has 15 solar panels that measure 4 feet by 10 feet mounted on the roof. The facility is installing meters on the solar system and on one in a different housing unit to compare their use of energy. The entire facility could be switched to solar-heated water if the data reports a significant change, officials said. The new system cost $75,000 and is expected to pay for itself within 15 years, officials said

17. Now know how to make a difference know how solar panels work know the benefits of solar power