2. Interest Innovative field Energy alternatives are needed Lots of different applications Opportunities in the world Where there is sun, there is power

3. Paper Driving Question: Is switching to solar panels beneficial? Thesis Statement: By switching to solar panels, the United States should have enough power to keep houses running during all hours of the day

4. Paper Oil accounts for 40 percent of energy consumption in the U.S. (not sustainable). As populations increase, more energy is needed. Solar power is readily available. People have to pay for energy anyway; why not use a more practical source?

5. Paper Facts -There are several different methods of collecting solar energy. -The measurement of electricity, resistance, and pressure. -The start up cost usually deters people from buying and starting their solar energy systems.

6. Product - I built solar panels (built frames; added plexiglass, cells, wires, etc.). -My mentor helped me with my paper as well as help figure out what I was going to do for my product. -My dad helped me with making my product. He showed me how to use the tools. -I learned the different methods of solar energy collection and the way they are used.

8. Pictures

10. Connections -The product reflects on how solar panels are beneficial. -They are able to power appliances. -There are several types of solar electricity systems. The most well known system is solar panels, which is what I’ve shown today.

11. Successes and Challenges Successes: -Completion of the project -Solar panels worked Challenge: -Didn't understand many of the terms and connections to electricity

12. Final Process Reflection - I plan to pursue this field of science as a future career. -I will take away that solar panels aren't always beneficial due to the starting cost.

13. Works Cited Duke Energy (n.d.). Customer Generation and Solar Energy FAQ. Retrieved from http://www.duke-energy.com/pdfs/customer- generation-solar-energy-faq.pdfhttp://www.duke-energy.com/pdfs/customer- generation-solar-energy-faq.pdf EIA. (2011). US energy information administration. International Energy Outlook. Retrieved from www.eia.gov/forecasts/ieo/highlights.cfm www.eia.gov/forecasts/ieo/highlights.cfm Energy. (2012). Estimating applience and home electronic energy use. Retrieved from www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/estimating-applience-and- home-electronic-energy-use www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/estimating-applience-and- home-electronic-energy-use Findley, D. S. (2010). Solar power for your home. New York: McGraw-Hill.

14. Copyright This presentation has been prepared under the fair use exemption of the US Copyright Law and is restricted from further use.