Solar Energy Basics Thermal and PV Joe Rand KidWind Project

Solar Energy – A Bright Idea! “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait ‘til oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” - Thomas Edison

People have been harnessing solar energy for a long time! Solar collector for heating water A home in California in 1906

Sun Angles

Two Main Categories: Solar ThermalSolar Photovoltaic (PV) Water heating and cookingElectricity production

Solar Thermal Energy Cooking

Solar Cooking

Benefits of Solar Cooking Consumes no fuels/wood Generates no air pollution Produces no smoke Eliminates fire dangers

More Benefits of Solar Cooking Eliminates work – No daily search for firewood 2 Billion people rely on wood for cooking fuel! – No risks to women and children – Frees time for other activities – No need to stir food – Helps to liberate women

Solar Cooking How Long Does it Take? Vegetables: 1.5 hrs Rice/wheat: hrs Beans: 2-3 hrs Meats: 1-3 hrs Bread: hrs

Solar Electric (Photovoltaic)

Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert light energy directly into electricity. Commonly known as “solar cells.” Solar Electric Systems

How Does it Work? Sunlight is composed of photons. 1) Photons strike a PV cell and are absorbed. 2)When the photons are absorbed, the energy of the photons is given to electrons in the solar cell to make electricity.

How Does it Work? Solar cells are usually made of two thin pieces of silicon, the substance that makes up sand and the second most common substance on earth.

How Does it Work?

Helpful PV Animations

Best Place For Solar Panels? South Facing roof, adequate space No shading (time of year, future tree growth)

Centralized Wind-Solar Hybrid System In hybrid energy systems more than a single source of energy supplies the electricity. Wind and Solar compliment one another