The Power of the Future By: Brenna Schillinger Mari Toia Dan Francisco

Thermal Solar Energy Solar thermal energy is a technology for collecting solar energy for heat. Which is normally heating water. The development of solar thermal energy is paving the way for cleaner energy from a renewable power source. One of the simplest and economical ways to utilize solar energy is through solar thermal systems. This proven and economical technology has been around for decades for hot water, pool and space heating applications.

How does Solar Thermal Energy Actually work? Solar thermal energy transfers heat directly from the sun to heat air or water for residential or commercial use. Large, flat panels that collect solar heat are installed in positions located so as to maximize the absorption of the sun's rays. Water- filled tubes below the surface of the panels act as solar thermal collectors, storing the heat in the water. The hot water is stored in holding tanks and is used just as residents use water from a hot water tank.

How can Solar Thermal Power be use in our house everyday? Solar Thermal Power is used mostly in the functions of households such as… ->Swimming pools (water), cooking, heating, cooling and ventilation are receiving their power from solar thermal energy.

Benefits of solar Thermal Energy! Since an electric water heater accounts for one- fourth of the total energy used in a single home, many people use solar thermal systems to reduce their monthly utility bill by as much as 10-15%. Using the solar energy to heat water also helps to reduce demand for fossil fuels and decreases the emissions of green house gases. You can harness the incredible solar thermal power in your own home and reduce your energy bill while helping the environment as well. It's a win- win situation all around.

Cost of Solar Thermal Power Costs Domestic Solar Water Heating Capital costs project: US$ $3000 Operating life: 15 – 40 years Payback period: 4 – 14 years Maintenance costs: $25 - $30/year average figures for home owners source: Florida Solar Energy Center Solar Thermal Electricity Capital Cost US$ /kW* Operating Life 20 years Levelised Cost US$ /kWh** * kW = kilowatt ** kWh = kilowatt-hour

Idea to Use Thermal Solar Energy One idea that can change the way energy is being used around the Chicago land area, is to place solar thermal panels on top of apartment, schools and other major building. These panels receive the heat to provide energy for those building. The one problem that would be a major deciding factor is the cost. Throwing a fundraiser to raise money could solve that problem. In the end money will be saved and the environment can be preserved.

History of Solar Thermal Energy…. The first practical application of solar thermal was built by a Swiss inventor, Horace de Saussure, in De Saussure captured the sun in a "hot box" made of glass, with two boxes inside. One of these boxes was heated to 228 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of hours. Little did he know that his invention would anticipate a kind of solar thermal system used centuries later, solar thermal heating.

Energy Crisis The main goal for the US is to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gas and to preserve the environment! The greenhouse gas emissions cause America to become more polluted every time we make use of something that is powered by burning natural gas. A major aspect of switching to thermal energy is the cost. Thermal energy will cost less then burning coal or natural gas. The gases are causing problems concerning global warming.

Problems with Thermal Solar Energy Solar thermal heater systems tend to be more expensive to install (smaller number of manufacturers and installers), but incur no fuel costs. The amount of sunlight that arrives at the earths surface is not constant. It depends on location, time of day, time of year and weather conditions. Since the sun doesn’t deliver that much energy to any place at any one time, a large surface areas is requires to collect the energy at a useful rate.

America and Renewable energies today ! Everyone knows that Bushes last term as a president is almost over. Luckily we have 3 excellent candidates running for the up coming term. They have set high hopes for pasting this energy crisis. John McCain introduced the first carbon cap-and-trade bill, and both Clinton and Obama have presented solid, at times ground breaking, energy plans.

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