Solar Energy

The sun produces energy through nuclear fusion At the basic level, the nuclei of hydrogen atoms fuse together to create helium atoms. Helium atoms have less mass, and the remaining matter has left in the form of radiant energy

Types of Solar Energy Passive Solar Energy Solar Thermal Power Plants Solar Photovoltaic Cells (PV)

Solar Thermal Power Plants “Solar thermal power plants use the sun's rays to heat a fluid to very high temperatures. The fluid is then circulated through pipes so it can transfer its heat to water to produce steam. The steam, in turn, is converted into mechanical energy in a turbine and into electricity by a conventional generator coupled to the turbine” -

Solar Photovoltaic Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level. Some materials exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect that causes them to absorb photons of light and release electrons. When these free electrons are captured, an electric current results that can be used as electricity.

Solar Potential in the United States

Solar Panels on Livingston Campus- Rutgers University

University Use of Power by Campus BUSCH = 1.8 X10^8 KWH LIVINGSTON =1.6X10^7 KWH COOK/DOUGLASS = 7.5X10^7 KWH COLLEGE AVE CAMPUS = 2.5X10^7 KWH

Drawbacks 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.

Wind

What is wind power? Wind is a form of solar energy. The sun heats land differently than the sea. This heat rises and moves over the water. This cool air pushes on the existing air, moving it towards the land. This interaction between warm and cool air creates wind. Irregularities of the earth’s surface and rotation of the earth are other ways wind is generated. Wind turbine uses the mechanical energy created by the wind to convert it to electrical energy.

How does it work?

Installed Wind Power Capacity- 2008

Offshore wind farms in NJ

I wonder… What happens during periods of intense wind? How do the cables transfer energy from sea to land How to get state & federal permits? Any models in Europe that are comparable to this project? The wind farms should be able to transfer energy up to 56mph. The cables would be underground. This is directional drilling. Fed Permits come from MMS State ones come from NJDEP This is the largest proposed wind farm to date.

Controversy in NJ Players Involved American Littoral Society Clean Ocean Action Blue Ribbon Panel Former Acting governor Cody and Present Governor Corzine Dept of Environmental Protection Mineral Management Service

NY TIMES: the controversy of wind storage

What are your thoughts? Do you believe investing land space for solar energy is a useful investment? How much of a factor does aesthetics will sway your opinion? If you were a resident in an ocean front area, would it ruin your view if you had to see wind turbines? What other factors do you think need to be considered before investing in these technologies?

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