By: Ashley and Evans

The Sun The sun is our most abundant resource.

How do you harness solar energy? Equipment used to convert, store and use the Sun's energy.

A solar cell is a device which converts the sun's energy directly into electricity. However, they can only produce a few volts. They are effective for uses such as calculators, watches and other low power uses.

History of Solar Energy Solar power is energy from the sun. The sun is about 90 million miles away, but it is over 1.8 million degrees Fahrenheit at the core. If we could harness it, there is enough solar power reaching the earth to provide 10,000 times what we use. Since almost the beginning of man, solar power has been used for drying clothes and food. It was not until 1954 however, that scientists in the US produced electricity from the sun. They used it to power satellites in space. They made photoelectric panels (or cells), which capture the sun's energy and make electricity.

Solar Collectors A solar collector focuses the heat from sun onto the central furnace. Water stored here turns into steam. This steam is then used to power generators to produce electricity.

Positive Aspects of Solar Energy  Solar energy is free  Solar power is renewable - it will never run out.  It produces no greenhouse gases  Excellent for remote areas that are not connected to the main electricity grid.  Can be made very small - for watches, calculators etc

Negative Aspects of Solar Energy  Doesn't work at night, and some days have little or no sun  Is expensive to produce

Bibliography  atio/solar/adv.htm atio/solar/adv.htm  olar2.html olar2.html  ys-sci/sun/solar.htm