Solar Power

ByAlyssa Shoultes

So what is Solar Power?

• A solar farm. Note all of the panels used in production.

• Source: Wikipedia

Solar power is a type of energy source that utilizes sunlight for the power source.

It can be produced strictly for residential homes or business offices. However, some companies have “solar farms” with nothing but solar panels for an acre, converting sunlight from it’s vitamin D-packed start into the lights overhead.

How Does Solar Power Work?• Solar power is formed from solar arrays,

which in turn degrade into single panels, which goes down further into PV cells.– PV stands for “photovoltaic.”

• PV cells are made of a thin piece of a semiconductor, such as silicon, that is processed to create electrical charges.– By “processed,” one side is treated to handle

positive charges, and the other is treated for negative charges.

• When light hits the

Benefits and Disadvantages

Benefits• Solar power has ZERO emissions.• Some states offer rebates for solar usage:

Arizona, for example, offers $4/watt on a grid system, up to $7,000.

• Unlike some types of alt. energy, solar power is quiet.

• Countering initial expense, the system pays off quickly.

Disadvantages• At the moment, EXTREMELY expensive: a

2 kilowatt system “on grid” with a backup system runs up to $19,200 before installation cost.– The cost is even more if the system is high-quality,

if you want trackers to follow the sun, if the system is on or off the grid, and how many kilowatts you want the system to be.

– However, this can be reduced if your home is energy-efficient and if you can get rebates/incentives for the system.

• It’s limited to areas with plenty of sunshine.

• Power can’t be gained during very overcast days, during storms, or at night, so power gained must be used wisely.

Works Cited• How Solar Cells Work: http://

science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/solar-cell.htm

• Image on slide 3 from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power

• Disadvantage cost: http://www.motherearthnews.com/ask-our-experts/solar-electric-system-cost-z10b0blon.aspx

• Some Advantages/Disadvantages: http://alternate-power.org/solar-power-advantages-and-disadvantages/