What is Solar Energy?

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What is Solar Energy?

• How does solar energy work?

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Solar energy produces electricity using a
photovoltaic cellSolar Panels
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Photovoltaic cell

• Use cells to convert sunlight into electricity
• PV cell has 1 to 2 layers of conducting material,
  like silicon
• Creates electric field across layers causing
  electricity to flow
• Greater intensity of light, greater the flow of
  electricity

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How Does a PV Cell Work?
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Benefits Solar Power

• Reduces your carbon (CO2) emissions
• Reduces your energy bills.
• Sell any surplus green electricity back to your
  supplier.
• Solar power does not generate pollution or.

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Negative Aspects of Solar Energy

• Need sun!
• Need a battery or some other form of backup
  (generator)
• Expensive home set up on the electrical grid
  (42K)

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Solar Water Heaters

• 1.5 million solar water heaters in use in U.S.
  Can work in any climate
• cost between 1,500 and 3,500
• Homeowners get tax credits up to 30 percent
• Save about 600/yr for 4 person household