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Solar panels
- 1. Solar Panels andHow They Work
- 2. First… A BriefIntroduction About The Sun Generates it’s energy through nuclear fusion Needed to make the earth function: -Photosynthesis for plants -Provides solar energy -Evaporation > Rain -MUCH MORE
- 3. The Sun &The Earth
- 5. The Sun’s RaysEnter the Earth’s Atmosphere
- 6. The Atmosphere Solar radiation first hits the atmosphere in this layer and ionizes air molecules. A region of ionized particles in the thermosphere is called the ionosphere. Auroras, which are interactions of charged solar particles and the ionosphere, can be seen in this layer of the atmosphere. Temperature is up due to ionization of air molecules by solar radiation. Air is extremely thin.
- 7. Auroras in the Thermosphere An aurora is an interaction of the ionosphere and charged solar particles within the thermosphere.
- 8. Aurora – TheNorthern Lights
- 9. The Atmosphere Troposphere (where we are) has high temperatures due to molecules absorbing the Sun’s energy.
- 10. We can tellthe Sun’s The Sun’s Energy energy is present… The radiation/energy off of the sun heats up pavement, causing you to see “heat waves”. “Heat waves” look like water almost, causing mirages in the desert. For example, if you saw that watery look ahead in the desert, you would think there is water ahead, when it is really only hot sand
- 11. The Sun’s Energy We can tell the Sun’s Radiation/energy from energy is present… the sun can also heat swimming pools.
- 12. What is SolarEnergy? • Originates with the thermonuclear fusion reactions occurring in the sun. • Represents the entire electromagnetic radiation (visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, x-rays, and radio waves).
- 13. How much solarenergy? The surface receives about 47% of the total solar energy that reaches the Earth. Only this amount is usable.
- 14. The Sun’s energyis out there, but how can we convert it into electrical power? What is the missing link to take the sun’s energy and convert it into electrical energy? ??????????????????????????????????
- 15. Solar Panels Solar Panelscan do just that!
- 16. How Solar PanelsWork The basic element of solar panels is the same element that helped create the computer revolution -- pure silicon.
- 17. Direct Conversion intoElectricity • Photovoltaic cells are capable of directly converting sunlight into electricity. • A simple wafer of silicon with wires attached to the layers. Current is produced based on types of silicon (n- and p-types) used for the layers. Each cell=0.5 volts. • Battery needed as storage • No moving partsdo no wear out, but because they are exposed to the weather, their lifespan is about 20 years.
- 18. How Solar PanelsWork When silicon is stripped of all impurities, it makes a ideal neutral platform for the transmission of electrons. Silicon also has some atomic-level properties which make it even more attractive for the creation of solar panels. Silicon atoms have room for eight electrons in their outer bands, but only carry four in their natural state. This means there is room for four more electrons.
- 19. How Solar PanelsWork If one silicon atom contacts another silicon atom, each receives the other atom's four electrons. This creates a strong bond, but there is no positive or negative charge because the eight electrons satisfy the atoms' needs. Silicon atoms can combine for years to result in a large piece of pure silicon. This material is used to form the plates of solar panels.
- 20. How Solar PanelsWork Here's where science enters the picture. Two plates of pure silicon would not generate electricity in solar panels, because they have no positive or negative charge. Solar panels are created by combining silicon with other elements that do have positive or negative charges. Phosphorus, for example, has five electrons to offer to other atoms. If silicon and phosphorus are combined chemically, the result is a stable eight electrons with an additional free electron along for the ride. It can't leave, because it is bonded to the other phosphorus atoms, but it isn't needed by the silicon. Therefore, this new silicon/phosphorus plate is considered to be negatively charged.
- 21. How Solar PanelsWork In order for electricity to flow, a positive charge must also be created. This is achieved in solar panels by combining silicon with an element such as boron, which only has three electrons to offer. A silicon/boron plate still has one spot left for another electron. This means the plate has a positive charge. The two plates are sandwiched together in solar panels, with conductive wires running between them.
- 22. How Solar PanelsWork With the two plates in place, it's now time to bring in the 'solar' aspect of solar panels. Natural sunlight sends out many different particles of energy, but the one we're most interested in is called a photon. A photon essentially acts like a moving hammer. When the negative plates of solar cells are pointed at a proper angle to the sun, photons bombard the silicon/phosphorus atoms.
- 23. How Solar PanelsWork Eventually, the 9th electron, which wants to be free anyway, is knocked off the outer ring. This electron doesn't remain free for long, since the positive silicon/boron plate draws it into the open spot on its own outer band.
- 24. How Solar PanelsWork As the sun's photons break off more electrons, electricity is generated.
- 25. Solar Power Plants SolarPower Plants have massive amounts of solar panels to power their city. Rizhao City, in China is converting to solar energy. There is construction going on to build a solar power plant in Nevada, that will meet the needs of about 40,000 households with solar energy.
- 26. Sun goes down,Lights go out??? Many people think that when the sun goes down, or we have a cloudy day, no energy would be produced, leaving us in the dark. That theory is not true. In fact, even with clouds, some rays from the sun still get through, just not as many on a clear day. Also, when the solar panels collect energy during the day, not all of it is used. What isn’t used is stored in giant batteries at the plant so there is always a reserve. However, it would be quite a test in Alaska, because the reserve may not hold out for three months!
- 27. Batteries to holdSolar Power These batteries are small batteries to hold solar power
- 28. Batteries to holdSolar Power These are heavy-duty batteries that could be used at a solar power plant to hold some of the reserve power.
- 29. Could your house“go green”? Yes, it is possible. Houses have already gone to solar power. They put solar panels on their roof to collect sunlight and have batteries in their basement to store the reserve power. Some have even put up solar panels in their yards.
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- 31. Disney World &The Environment Disney World in Orlando Florida has gone green. They provide their own power, they treat their own sewage... All in all, they’re self sufficient.
- 32. Want to trysome Solar Power? You do not need tens of thousands of solar panels just to power something. You can power small electronics with a small solar panel you can use! 10 Watt - http://www.ccrane.com/more-categories/alternative-power/10-watt-solar- panel.aspx 2.5 Watt - http://www.ccrane.com/more-categories/alternative-power/2-watt-solar- panel.aspx
- 33. Want to trysome Solar Power? Solar Powered Just “Google” Solar Lights!!! Lights
- 34. Solar Powered SpotLight Solar Powered Spot Light
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