2. Monocrystalline silicon- As a result of their high silicon content, they’re also more expensive, but you need fewer of them. That’s why they’re ideal for roofs. Types of solar energy

3. Polycrystalline silicon- “Poly” panels have lower silicon levels than “mono” panels. In general, that makes them less expensive to produce, but they’re also slightly less efficient. The good news is that their overall construction design can often make up for the efficiency loss, so they’re also good for roofs.

4. Types of solar energy BIPV- BIPV’s can look like real roofing tiles (solar shingles are an example). That’s nice, but good looks do cost a lot more. Second, they’re way less efficient than conventional PV, which means you need a sunny spacious roof to make a dent in your electric bill. Finally, they may not last as long as regular panels.

5. Types of solar energy Solar hot water (thermal) panels- Instead of paying the gas company to heat your hot water tank, solar thermal panels produce hot water for your home and/or your pool. Some systems can even provide heat and air conditioning too.

7. What is the current investment in solar power? Lots of money have been invested in solar power. o NY - as of 2012 $46 million. o U.S. - as of 2013 $1.1 billion. o $9 million over seven projects at U.S. Universities and National Labs. Solar power is a good investment for both the NY and U.S. to make for many reasons. The most important being it is better, cheaper, and safer energy.

8. How many solar power plants does the United States have? New York currently has no solar power plants The United States has a total of 8 power plants The United States now has over 7,700 MW of installed solar electric capacity (enough to power more than 1.2 million American households) In the United States 11 states installed 50 MW or more in 2012 Over 82,000 homes installed solar across the country in 2012 Solar energy contributions to the electric is 0.09 percent

10. What is the latest scientific advancement on solar power production? Dye Sensitive Solar Cells(DSSC) researchers have found that adding a TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide) bi-layer increases efficiency by 22% resulting in a 7.1% efficiency (this is important because DSSC’s are much cheaper than standard solar voltaic panels) Recent PV concepts have been developed that now give a 12% efficiency with organic solar cells at a cost of $.97/W In solar concentration plants fluids have been changed to use lower heat fluids from 500 degrees Fahrenheit to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

11. Why is solar power better than any other energy source? Not noisy and do not need that much space, opposed to wind turbines Solar energy is more versatile then wind energy Do not require as much maintenance as wind turbines Give off no pollution unlike geothermal energy sources Easier and less expensive to build than ocean wave power structures

12. Cons of solar energy Initial cost of solar cells (prices of highly efficient solar cells can be above $1000 and some households may need more than one) Only able to generate electricity during daylight hours Solar panels can look ugly Cloudy days can effect the amount of energy you can generate

13. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFJc4xuFPcc Sooooooo solar energy is the best alternative energy, this is why…

14. "BIPV: Bodacious, Incredible and Pleasantly (In)Visible." Residential Solar Contractors, Home Solar Power Installation | CalFinder. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.. "Energy Department Touts Solar Power That Generates 0.14% of Electricity | The Foundry: Conservative Policy News Blog from The Heritage Foundation." The Foundry: Conservative Policy News Blog from The Heritage Foundation |. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.. "Governor Cuomo Announces $46 Million Awarded Through NY-Sun for Large Solar Power Installations to add 52 MW of Solar Capacity | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo." Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.. "HAIL - The Return of the Sun - YouTube." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.. "New York Solar | SEIA." SEIA | Solar Energy Industries Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.. "Solar Energy Pros and Cons - Solar Energy Advantages And Disadvantages." Solar Energy - Information about Solar Power & Renewable Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.. Works Cited

15. Works Cited continued "Solar Energy Tech Trivia: Parabolic Troughs | GetSolar.com Blog." Find Solar Panel Installers & Solar Installation Pros | Getsolar.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.. "Solar Industry Data | SEIA." SEIA | Solar Energy Industries Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.. "Solar PV Research & Development: Who is Footing the Bill?." Renewable Energy Project Finance. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.. "Solar Panels." Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.. "U.S. Energy Department investing in solar power research - UPI.com." Latest news, Latest News Headlines, news articles, news video, news photos - UPI.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.. "U.S. Will Invest $2 Billion in Solar Power." Mashable. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.. "Wholesale!Polycrystalline Silicone Solar Cell 2W 6V/9V/18V Small Solar Panel for Battery Charger/DIY etc 20pcs/lot Free Shipping-in Solar Cells, Solar Panel from Electrical Equipment & Supplies on Aliexpress.com." BibMe: Fast & Easy Bibliography Maker - MLA, APA, Chicago, Turabian - Free. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013..