Solar+1

Solar Energy Marion Thompson and TJ Kiely
 * Definition:** Radiant energy emitted by the sun

It comes from the suns rays. When the sun hits the solar cell it provides power through the electrons all day. Through out the day the solar panels follow the sun in whichever direction it goes, so that the energy being provided is never lost.
 * What is its source? (where does it come from or how is/was it formed?)**

There are two ways solar energy is used; to heat water and to make energy. Nothing is actually burned but it is captured, the sun shines onto a panel, which then sends out electrons into a cord that cycles through and creates the energy. Passive is when energy is taken in and stored. Active energy is when the energy is stored and circulated.
 * How is this source used to make energy? (is it burned, “captured,” etc)**

The main equipment you need is the sun and solar panels. The stronger the sunlight is, the more energy it will produce. PV cells are made of semiconductor materials and come in many different sizes. They can be as small as a postage stamp and as big as a few inches. They are then formed together to get what are called PV modules that can be up to a few feet wide and long. These modules are then formed to make arrays that are made up of many different modules (example: 9 or 6 in one array). The arrays make up the PV system.
 * What equipment do you need to convert the “raw material” into energy?**

Solar Thermal is when the solar panels are used in order to heat up a pool or someone’s water in their home. Solar Electricity is the most commonly used which there are solar panels placed on top of a building, like Yarmouth High School, and is used to run the electricity in the space.
 * Give a real-life example of where it is used, and how.**

Advantages-** -saves a lot of money in the long run on electricity. -easy to use
 * List two advantages and two disadvantages.

-Can be costly buying enough solar panels -Hard to use in some areas that do not get a lot of sunlight
 * Disadvantages-**

A 100 miles x 100 miles of solar panels in the Mojave Desert could power the entire United States.
 * The most unusual fact I learned was…….**

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pv_devices.html http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter15.html http://ezinearticles.com/?Solar-Energy-Advantages-Disadvantages&id=50178 http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=how-does-solar-power-work