Solar Energy

What is Solar Energy? 

Solar energy is energy from the sun. The sun gives off energy in many forms, including heat energy (the sun is hot!) and light energy (the sun is bright!). This solar energy can be turned into electricity through solar panels. This is useful because we can use this electricity to power many things like lights, phones, and computers. 

How do Solar Panels work?

Solar panels are put in the sunshine, so they can receive the energy of the sun (sunlight). The panels then turn the energy of the sun into electricity. Then, humans can use the electricity. 

Solar Energy Compared to Traditional Energy 

Solar 

  • Solar energy is energy we get through the sun, like electricity from solar panels. 
  • It is renewable. That means we can use it again and again - that's because sunshine is always there!
  • Does not hurt ecosystems (plants, animals, and their environment). 
  • It does not release carbon dioxide. This is good.  

Traditional 

  • Traditional energy is what we normally use (like oil, gas, and coal).
  • It is nonrenewable. That means once it's used up, we can't use it again. 
  • Often hurts ecosystems.
  • It does release carbon dioxide. This is bad, because a lot of carbon dioxide in the air has bad effects on the earth. 
Car using solar energy makes less carbon dioxide: good.  
Car using gas makes carbon dioxide: not so good. 

Solar Switcher

Put in any number of solar panels to see how much carbon dioxide gas is stopped from going in the air. 

The solar panel used in calculation refers to a 1,000 watt photovoltaic cell.

Ways to Use Solar Energy

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Solar panels can be put on house roofs. This is a good place for panels because here they get lots of sunshine. Electricity made with the panels can power things inside of the house, like the TV or the lights. 

 

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Solar panels can also be put on cars. The car uses solar energy instead of gasoline. Solar panels can be put on boats too, to make solar-powered boats. 

 

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Little solar panels can make energy to charge small things, like cell phones and calculators. Solar energy can also be used to cook food (in solar cookers). 

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