Solar Organizations and Resources
AZ Solar Center
US Department of Energy - Solar
US Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
American Solar Energy Society
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Energy Information Administration - Energy Kid's Page
The Analemma
The Energy Story
Solar Image Sites |
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Installing solar cells (image from http://www.eere.energy.gov/RE/solar.html)
Solar Energy Information
Solar energy converts the energy streaming from the sun into more usable forms of energy, such as electricity. Solar energy can be used for anything, from heating or cooling your home or business, cooking your dinner, or heating your water.
How does it work?
Photovoltaic (PV) systems are collections of solar or PV cells that convert energy from the sun into usable electricity. A solar cell absorbs energy from the sun through semiconducting material, which then separates the electrons (electricity!) from the streaming sunlight photons. You have probably used smaller PV cells in your calculator, or have seen larger PV cells powering remote machines like weather stations or road signs. Here's a link to more information about PV cells.
Issues with Solar Energy
Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource, yet the technology faces challenges, including consumer demand, solar availability, and solar access.
Coming soon: links to MCC's PV cell output! |
