Sustainability Solar Power Sustainability Solar power

Amount of Energy From the Sun Average Light Energy Produced by the sun per square meter: 1700kWh

Solar power Solar Power: The conversion of the energy in sunlight to electrical energy 2 Ways to convert the light energy to electrical: Direct Photovoltaics (PV): Concentrated Solar Power(CSP):

Solar power Solar Power: The conversion of the energy in sunlight to electrical energy 2 Ways to convert the light energy to electrical: Direct Photovoltaics (PV): Using materials that, when exposed to light, create an electric current Concentrated Solar Power(CSP): Uses lenses and mirrors to focus light in a small beam. Then focus the beam on the photovoltaics. More efficient system

Solar power Photovoltaic Materials: Most commonly used material is silicon crystals

Who Uses Solar Power Most effective near the equator = high intensity of sunlight -Used in Eastern Canada, Europe

Solar Panel Parts of the solar panel: Cell: A silicon crystal sheet with wire weaved over it. Module (Panel): A collection of cells connected together Array: A collection of modules connected together

How Does A Solar Panel Work Step 1: Sunlight is absorbed through the glass

How Does A Solar Panel Work Step 1: Sunlight is absorbed through the glass Step 2: The energy of the light causes the extra electrons on the negative-type silicon to jump to the holes on the positive-type silicon

How Does A Solar Panel Work Step 1: Sunlight is absorbed through the glass Step 2: The energy of the light causes the extra electrons on the negative-type silicon to jump to the holes on the positive-type silicon Step 3: When the electrons move across they create an electric charge Step 4: The charge is picked up by the metal contacts which bring it to the battery

How Does the System Work? Parts of a Household system:

Parts of the System Solar Cell (AKA Photovoltaic Cell): Collects the solar energy and converts it to electrical

Parts of the System Solar Cell (AKA Photovoltaic Cell): Collects the solar energy and converts it to electrical Battery: Collects the electrical energy

Parts of the System Solar Cell (AKA Photovoltaic Cell): Collects the solar energy and converts it to electrical Battery: Collects the electrical energy Inverter: Converts the direct current electricity from the battery to alternating current that household appliances can use

Pros Reliable source of power in places that experience high levels of sunlight

Pros Reliable source of power in places that experience high levels of sunlight Can be used in an isolated area (weather station)

Pros Reliable source of power in places that experience high levels of sunlight Can be used in an isolated area (weather station) Does not produce any greenhouse gases Cheep to maintain

Cons Does not work efficiently in places that do not experience high levels of light

Cons Does not work efficiently in places that do not experience high levels of light New Technology: Initial setup is expensive Not as efficient as they will be in the future

Assignment -Create a poster that explains how a solar power system works -Use arrows and a few words to explain what happens -Start from how the solar cell works then expand into how the whole system works

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