PDS AP Environmental Science 5th Period 2010-11

Why use solar energy? Lots of reasons. Unlike burning fossil fuels, solar energy is waste-free and results in zero emissions into the atmosphere. It is also a renewable resource, and can be relied on to last as long as the sun does. Despite the initial costs of solar technologies, the use of solar power saves money in the long run because it depends on the free use of sunlight rather than fluctuating oil prices.

Tons of scientists are working not only on how to create new technologies for solar energy that lower the costs, but also how to boost efficiency of the current technology. This Discovery Channel video features a scientist trying to pinpoint the best possible places to capture the sun’s rays: Solar Prospecting (Source: discoverychannel.com)

There are two main types of solar energy technologies:

1. Photovoltaic (PV)- this converts sunlight directly into an electrical charge
2. Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST)- this uses the heat from the sun to create steam which then turns a turbine and powers a generator

Most of the solar panels used on rooftops are photovoltaic. Here is a simple video showing how solar energy can be used to generate electricity for a home: Solar Powered Home (Source: Youtube)

Something that I found even more interesting about solar energy is that it is not limited to single buildings or small scale areas. It is being used in much larger scale projects, like this one in Spain that generates enough electricity to power over 15,000 homes: Solar Plant in Spain (Source: discoverychannel.com)

Improvements in solar technology are being explored every day. This article goes through the history of solar energy and how it has changed from 1979 to 2010: Solar Improvements Article