This presentation looks at solar energy as an alternative source of cheap and readily available source of energy. It convers the basics of this energy source including the advantages and the disadvantages of solar energy. It also further touches on the availability of the energy source in comparison to other sources of energy.

1. CHAPTER 3.3
ENERGY RESOURCES
ROBERT BOB OKELLO

2. WHAT’S SOLAR ENERGY
Solar energy is radiant light and heat
from the sun harnessed using a range
of ever-evolving technologies such as
solar heating, solar photovoltaics,
solar thermal electricity, solar
architecture and artificial
photosynthesis

3. AVAILABILITY OF SOLAR ENERGY
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy#mediaviewer/File:Global_e
nergy_potential_perez_2009_en.svg
The sun has been burning for several
billion years already. The continual
loss of mass caused by nuclear fusion
means that the sun is slowly
disappearing. But don’t worry;
according to NASA the Sun has
another 6.5 billion years worth of
fusion processes left before it shuts
down.

4. TAPPING OF SOLAR ENERGY
http://www.tehowners.com/info/Science/Resources%20&%20Energy/
Solar%20Energy.jpg
The sun’s solar energy is trapped using
technologies such as the solar panels
which have got a series of photo-voltaic
cells.
This convert the sun’s radiant energy into
electricity and heat energy.

5. HOUSEHOLD USES OF SOLAR
ENERGY
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy#mediaviewer/File:Global_e
nergy_potential_perez_2009_en.svg
Solar Electricity
Solar Water Heating
Outdoor Off-grid Applications
Cooking
Water treatment
Can you name more...?

6. MERITS & DEMERITS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy#mediaviewer/File:Global_e
nergy_potential_perez_2009_en.svg
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
No emissions (CO2) once in place Expensive initially (installation costs)
Renewable Energy storage is challenging
Sustainable Reflections from the solar panels
cause glares
Abundant Totally dependent on the solar
insolation
Low maintenance costs (cheap in
the long run)
Needs electricity back-up
Silent

7. REFERENCES
http://energyinformative.org/what-is-solar-energy/
http://budgeting.thenest.com/uses-solar-power-home-31279.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glare_(vision)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy#mediaviewer/File:Solar_
land_area.png
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy#mediaviewer/File:Global
_energy_potential_perez_2009_en.svg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy