BELLWORK

Solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biofuels are all examples of renewable energy.

Which of these is an example of potential energy, and which is kinetic energy?

Using the Sun’s

Energy

Objectives

In this lesson you will...1)Identify pros and cons of renewable

energy

2)Describe how energy is produced by each of the renewable methods

3)Evaluate the competing energy solutions

Solar Energy

Uses the sun’s rays to produce usable energy

How It Works

Solar panels convert light energy from the sun into electrical energy

Only one of the seven types that does not use a turbine to rotate a generator

Advantages of Solar Energy

Renewable

Abundant

Very Environmentally Friendly

Can be used “off the grid”

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Very expensive

Does not work at night or in poor weather

Very inefficient-the best solar panels only convert 20% of sun’s rays into electricity

Solar Power in California

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/solar-power

Future of Solar Energy

Right now prices are too high to compete with fossil fuels in most places

With more research, hopefully solar panels can continue to become cheaper and more efficient

Wind Energy

Energy from the sun warms the Earth unevenly, which causes air currents to flow throughout the atmosphere.

These currents can be harnessed as energy.

How It Works

the wind causes turbines to spin, which rotates an electric generator.

Advantages of Wind Energy

Renewable

Environmentally Friendly

Require very little labor to operate

Can be used “off the grid”

Disadvantages of Wind Energy

Very expensive

Wind is inconsistent and weak in some areas

Turbines are noisy and can kill birds

Some people do not like how they look

Wind Energy

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/wind-power

Future of Wind Energy

Right now prices are too high to compete with fossil fuels in most places

Wind turbines are becoming cheaper with additional research