ONE MILLION STUDENTSSolar Energy

Explained

AGENDA• The Sun• Solar Energy on Earth• Photovoltaics• Electricity from the Sun• Review• Solar Stories• Energy Action Checklist

THE SUN• The sun is a big gas ball made up

mostly of hydrogen and helium atoms.

• Every second, the SUN radiates an enormous amount of energy out into space.

• This energy can be used for electricity when it hits a Photovoltaic or Solar Panel

What Is Solar Energy?

• It takes a little over eight minutes for the solar energy to travel to earth.

• The radiant energy travels to the earth at a speed of light, 186,000 miles per second. That’s 90 million miles in 8 minutes.

• In one day enough energy strikes the United States to supply the nation’s energy needs for one and a half years.

SOLAR ENERGY ON EARTH

• The radiant energy can be captured using a photovoltaic cell to produce electricity

• Photovoltaics: comes from the words photo meaning light, and volts, which is a measurement of electricity.

• Photovoltaic cells are also known as PV cells or solar cells.

PHOTOVOLTAICS

• Solar panels work by the energy from the sun reacting with the materials that the panel is made up. This reaction is what causes energy.

• There are negative and positive layers in a solar panel, which is what helps energy flow like how a

battery works.

• This movement causes energy which can be used as electricity. This happens silently and instantly.

ELECTRICITY FROM THE SUN

Protective Glass

-

-

-

-

-

-Conductive Backing

P-Type Silicon

N/P Junction

N-Type Silicon

Conductive MeshAnti-Reflective Coat

Photons from the Sun

Flow of EnergyOr Load

USING THE SUN TO WORK

These all use the sun to work.

Review Questions:1. How many people lack access to electricity around the world?

1.3 billion people

2. What are some of the benefits of Solar lighting?

a. Higher Productivityb. Increase Incomec. Savingsd. Decrease in respiratory diseasese. Additional study hours for students

3. Why should we use solar?

a. The sun will not “run out”. It is renewable and will last a long time.b. The sun is eco-friendly and does not harm the Earthc. There are no carbon emissions that are leading to global warmingd. The sun is easily accessible and availablee. The sun is clean and healthy. It does not harm human beings with toxic fumes

SOLAR STORIES ACTIVITY

1. Find a partner or 2.

2. Come up and grab a solar light, worksheet and a solar story

3. In your team read the story using the solar light and answer the questions.

4. Be prepared to share your story with the rest of the class.

5. When you finish one story, please return it to me and grab another one. Ideally we want each group to read 2 different stories.

Class Presentations and Discussion

Energy Action Checklist!

CONSERVE ENERGY

1. Turn off the lights or heating when not in use.2. Turn off entertainment devices when not in use (TV, game systems).3. Unplug your phone charger and other appliances when not in use.4. Use energy saving light bulbs.5. Shut down computer.6. Use “smart” power strips.7. Use natural light, heat and cooling.8. Talk to your parents about energy saving appliances for your home; programming digital thermostats and about making home improvements. (windows, doors)11. Take shorter showers, close the water tap when not in use.12. Avoid a flight or a driving trip when it is not essential.

LIMIT YOUR IMPACT1. Ride a bike/bus/train instead of driving the car and ride-share2. Replace an old refrigerator and other appliances with energy efficient ones3. Replace a big car with a more efficient model4. Take lunch instead of purchasing takeout5. Insulate the water heater6. Insulate the house with better windows and air seal the house7. Recycle and buy recycled goods8. Choose Organic9. Calculate your footprint10. Market your products online instead of on paper