1. Operation S.M.A.R.T. Girls Incorporated ® of Greater Houston Solar Energy Workshop Sponsored by

2. Solar Power –Solar power is energy from the Sun.

3. Solar Energy  Solar Energy –Refers to direct use of the Solar Power. –Energy arrives on Earth as light and heat. (Radiant Energy)

4. The Sun  Located at the Center of Solar System; 150,000,000 kilometers from Earth.  1 million degrees Celsius at the Core.  Only a small portion of energy produced (by the Sun) reaches Earth.

5. Harnessing Solar Energy  Three kinds of Technology: –Solar Reflectors –Solar Collectors –Photovoltaic Cells –or- Solar Cells

6. Reflectors  Use special lenses/mirrors that concentrate the sun’s rays to produce heat.  Used to generate electricity, melt metals, cook foods, etc.

7. Collectors  Converts radiant energy into heat.  Used to heat building & provide hot water to homes.  Two types of collectors: –ACTIVE –PASSIVE

8. Photovoltaic/Solar Cells  Capture the Sun’s energy and convert it into electricity.

9. Photovoltaic/Solar Cells  What are they made out of? –Two layers of silicon with chemicals in the middle. –One layer contains boron, which gives it a Negative charge (“N” layer). –Other layer has phosphorous which give it a Positive charge (“P” layer).

10. Photovoltaic Systems  How do they work? –When you attach conducting wires (from generator) to the “P” and “N” layers, a power source is formed. –When the power source is exposed to sunlight, electrons flow from one layer to the other to produce electricity.

11. Photovoltaic Systems  Some History –Developed in 1954 through the space program. –Were originally used as a means of recharging batteries and powering various systems in space crafts. –Currently used to produce electricity to power satellites in space.

12. Advantages of using Solar Energy  It’s free.  It’s renewable.  It’s the cleanest and most exhaustible source of energy.

13. Disadvantages of using Solar Energy  Power levels can vary. –Some days have little or no sun.  It’s expensive to produce. –The high cost of solar energy technology stops it from being more widely used.