Energy From The Sun Student Guide

Energy From the Sun

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Student Guide

INTERMEDIATE

Introduction to EnergyMotion Chemical What is Energy?

Energy makes change; it does things for us. It moves cars along the road and boats over the water. It bakes a cake in the oven and keeps ice frozen in the freezer. It plays our favorite songs on the radio and lights our homes. Energy makes our bodies grow and allows our minds to think. Scientists define energy as the ability to do work.

Radiant

Forms of Energy

Chemical

M

Potential and Kinetic Energy

Electrical Kinetic

Chemical Potential Energy

Energy is found in different forms, such as light, heat, sound, and motion. There are many forms of energy, but they can all be put into two categories: potential and kinetic.

Energy

HILL

POTENTIAL ENERGY Potential energy is stored energy or the energy of position, or gravitational energy. There are several forms of potential energy.

Chemical energy is energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. It is the energy that holds these particles together.

Biomass, petroleum, natural gas, and propane are examples of stored chemical energy.

Elastic energy is energy stored in objects by the application of a force. Compressed springs and stretched rubber bands are examples of elastic energy.

Chemical

Motion

Chemical

Motion

Radiant

Chemical

Electrical

Thermal

Nuclear energy is energy stored in the nucleus of an atom; it is the energy that holds the nucleus together. The energy can be released when the small nuclei are combined or large nuclei split apart. Nuclear power plants split the nuclei of uranium atoms in a process called fission. The sun combines the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in a process called fusion.

atoms and molecules vibrate and move. Geothermal energy is an example of thermal energy.

Gravitational potential energy is the energy of position or place.

A rock resting at the top of a hill contains gravitational potential energy. Hydropower, such as water in a reservoir behind a dam, is an example of gravitational potential energy.

Motion energy is the movement of objects and substances from one place to another. Objects and substances move when an unbalanced force is acting on them, according to Newton’s Laws of Motion. Wind is an example of motion energy.

KINETIC ENERGY Kinetic energy is motion; it is the motion of waves, electrons, atoms, molecules, substances, and objects.

Electrical energy is the movement of electrons. Everything is made of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are made of even smaller particles called electrons, protons, and neutrons. Applying a force can make some of the electrons move. Electrons moving through a wire are called electricity. Lightning is another example of electrical energy.

Radiant energy is electromagnetic energy that travels, or is transfered, in transverse waves. Radiant energy includes visible light, x-rays, gamma rays, and radio waves. Solar energy and light are examples of radiant energy.

Thermal energy, or heat, is the internal energy in substances; it is the vibration and movement of the atoms and molecules within substances. The more thermal energy in a substance, the faster the

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Energy Transformations

Sound energy is the movement of energy through substances in longitudinal (compression/rarefaction) waves. Sound is produced when a force causes an object or substance to vibrate. The energy is transferred through the substance in a longitudinal wave.

Law of Conservation of Energy The Law of Conservation of Energy is not about saving energy, like it may sound. This law states that energy is neither created nor destroyed. However, it can change from one form to another.

Energy does not disappear, it is converted.

A car engine, for example, burns gasoline, converting the chemical energy in the gasoline into useful motion energy. Some of the energy is also converted into light, sound, and heat. Photovoltaic (solar) cells convert radiant energy into electrical energy. Energy changes form, but the total amount of energy in the universe remains the same. ©2026 The NEED Project

Energy From the Sun

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Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency is the amount of useful energy you get from a system. A perfect energy efficient machine would convert all of the energy put into it into useful work, which is technologically impossible at this time. Converting one form of energy into another form always involves a loss of usable energy—usually in the form of heat—from friction and other processes. This “waste heat’” dissipates quickly and is very difficult to recapture.

Typical coal-fired, natural gas, biomass, and nuclear power plants convert about 30 to 35 percent of the heat they produce into electricity. A hydropower plant, on the other hand, converts about 95 percent of the kinetic energy in the water flowing through the system into electricity. Solar technologies are usually between 13-30 percent efficient. Most energy transformations are not very efficient. For example, a typical car converts only about 15 percent of the gasoline used into work. The human body is another example of a low efficiency “machine.” Your body’s fuel is food. Food gives you the energy to move, breathe, and think. Your body is very inefficient at converting food into useful work. Most of the energy in your body is released as heat.

U.S. Energy Consumption by Source, 2024 NONRENEWABLE, 90.9%

RENEWABLE, 9.1%

Petroleum

37.5%

Biomass

5.3%

Natural Gas

36.3%

Wind

Uses: electricity

1.6%

Uses: electricity, heating, manufacturing - Includes Propane

Uranium

8.7%

Solar

1.2%

Hydropower

0.9%

Geothermal

0.1%

Uses: transportation, manufacturing - Includes Propane

Uses: electricity

Uses: electricity, heating, transportation

Uses: electricity, heating

Sources of Energy We use many different sources to meet our energy needs every day. They are usually classified into two groups—renewable and nonrenewable.

In the United States, most of our energy comes from nonrenewable energy sources. Coal, petroleum, natural gas, propane, and uranium are nonrenewable energy sources. They are used to make electricity, heat our homes, move our cars, and manufacture all kinds of products. These sources are called nonrenewable because their supplies are limited. Petroleum, for example, was formed hundreds of millions of years ago, before dinosaurs existed, from the remains of ancient sea plants and animals. Fossil fuels, like petroleum, cannot be made quickly.

Renewable energy sources include biomass, geothermal energy, hydropower, solar energy, and wind energy. They are called renewable because they are replenished in a short time. Day after day, the sun shines, the plants grow, the wind blows, and the rivers flow. We use renewable energy sources mainly to make electricity.

The energy sources discussed so far are known as primary sources.

Electricity is known as a secondary energy source because it must be produced from a primary source. For example, the heat from burning coal, a primary energy source, produces steam, which turns turbines to generate electricity. Electricity is sometimes called an energy carrier because it is an efficient and safe way to move energy from one place to another, and it can be used for many tasks. As we use more technology, the demand for electricity grows.

Coal

8.4%

Uses: electricity, manufacturing

Uses: electricity

*Propane consumption figures are reported as part of petroleum and natural gas totals.

Propane

Uses: heating, manufacturing

Uses: electricity, heating

Data: Energy Information Administration *Total may not equal 100% due to independent rounding.

U.S. Electricity Production, 2024 RENEWABLES

URANIUM

22.6%

18.2%

WIND, 10.5%

NATURAL GAS

43.3%

HYDROPOWER, 5.5%

PETROLEUM

SOLAR, 5.1%

0.4% COAL

15.2%

OTHER

0.2%

Data: Energy Information Administration *Total may not equal 100% due to independent rounding.

BIOMASS, 1.1% GEOTHERMAL, 0.4%

Electricity Electricity is different from the other energy sources because it is a secondary source of energy. We must use another energy source to produce electricity. In the U.S., natural gas is the number one energy source used for generating electricity.

©2026 The NEED Project

Energy From the Sun

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Electricity is sometimes called an energy carrier because it is an efficient and safe way to move energy from one place to another, and it can be used for so many tasks. As we use more technology, the demand for electricity grows.

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Energy From the Sun What is Solar Energy?

Every day, the sun radiates (sends out) an enormous amount of energy. It radiates more energy each day than the world uses in one year. Solar energy is a renewable energy source.

The sun’s energy comes from within the sun itself. Like most stars, the sun is made up mostly of hydrogen and helium atoms in a plasma state. The sun generates energy from a process called nuclear fusion.

During nuclear fusion, the high pressure and temperature in the sun’s core cause nuclei to separate from their electrons. Hydrogen nuclei fuse to form one helium atom. During the fusion process, radiant energy is released. It can take 150,000 years for energy in the sun’s core to make its way to the solar surface, and then just a little over eight minutes to travel the 93 million miles to Earth. The radiant energy travels to the Earth at a speed of 186,000 miles per second, the speed of light.

Fusion The process of fusion most commonly involves hydrogen isotopes combining to form a helium atom with a transformation of matter. This matter is emitted as radiant energy.

Hydrogen Isotope

Energy

How We Use Solar Energy People have harnessed solar energy for centuries. As early as the seventh century BCE, people used basic magnifying glasses to focus light from the sun to make fire. Over a century ago, a scientist in France used a solar collector to make steam to power an engine. Solar water heaters gained popularity in the early 1900’s in the southwest United States. Today, people use solar energy to heat buildings and water and to generate electricity. In 2024, solar energy accounted for just over 1.2 percent of U.S. total energy consumption, which accounts for about 5% of our electricity generation. Solar energy is growing in many of the 50 states, including those that are not always sunny and warm.

Helium

Neutron

The Greenhouse Effect

SUN

Only a small portion of the energy radiated by the sun into space strikes the Earth, one part in two billion. Yet this amount of energy is enormous. The sun provides more energy in an hour than the United States can use in a year! About 30 percent of the radiant energy that reaches the Earth is reflected back into space. About half of the radiant energy is absorbed by land and oceans. The rest is absorbed by the atmosphere and clouds in the greenhouse effect.

In addition to supplying a large amount of energy directly, the sun is also the source for many different forms of energy. Solar energy powers the water cycle, allowing us to harness the energy of moving water. Solar energy drives wind formation, allowing us to use wind turbines to transform kinetic energy into electricity.

Plants use solar energy in the process of photosynthesis. Biomass can trace its energy source back to the sun. Even fossil fuels originally received their energy from the sun.

Hydrogen Isotope

RA

Atmo DI

s p he re

AN

TE

NE

RG Y

HEAT HEAT EARTH Radiant energy (light rays) shines on the Earth. Some radiant energy reaches the atmosphere and is reflected back into space. Some radiant energy is absorbed by the atmosphere and is transformed into heat (dark arrows).

Half of the radiant energy that is directed at Earth passes through the atmosphere and reaches the Earth, where it is transformed into heat.

The Earth absorbs some of this heat, but most of the heat flows back into the air. The atmosphere traps the heat. Very little of the heat escapes back into space. The trapped heat flows back to the Earth. This is called the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect keeps the Earth at a temperature that supports life.

Top Solar States (Net Generation), 2024

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1

NEVADA

CALIFORNIA

4

ARIZONA

2

TEXAS

3

FLORIDA Data: Energy Information Administration

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©2026 The NEED Project

Energy From the Sun

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Solar Collectors A solar collector is one way to capture sunlight and transform it into heat energy, or thermal energy. The amount of solar energy an area receives depends on the time of day, the season of the year, the cloudiness of the sky, and how far one is from the Earth’s Equator.

A closed car on a sunny day is a solar collector. As sunlight passes through the car’s windows, the seat covers, side panels, and floor of the car absorb it. The absorbed energy transforms into thermal energy that is trapped inside the car. A greenhouse also makes a great example of a solar collector.

Solar Collector Solar Energy Heat

Solar Space Heating

Space heating means heating the space inside a building. Today, many homes use solar energy for space heating. There are two basic types of solar space heating systems: passive and active. Hybrid solar systems are a combination of passive and active systems.

Passive Solar Design

A passive solar home is designed to let in as much sunlight as possible. It is a big solar collector. Sunlight passes through the windows and heats the walls and floor inside the house. The light can get in, but the thermal energy is trapped inside. A passive solar home does not depend on mechanical equipment to move heat throughout the house. For example, awnings may be designed to let in light in the winter when the sun is lower in the horizon, yet shade the windows in the summer when the sun is higher in the sky. Passive solar buildings are quiet, peaceful places to live or work.

They do not rely on machinery and heat the walls or floors rather than the air inside. Passive homes can get 30 to 80 percent of the heat they need from the sun. They store their heat energy by using thick walls and building materials that retain heat well like masonry, concrete, stone, and even water. If a passive home incorporates blowers or fans, it is then called a hybrid solar system.

On a sunny day, a closed car is a solar collector. Solar energy passes through the glass, hits the inside of the car and changes into thermal energy, which gets trapped inside.

Passive Solar Home Design SUMMER SUN

WINTER SUN

Overhang creates shade

HEAT CIRCULATION

Active Solar Design

An active solar home uses mechanical equipment and other sources of energy to collect and move thermal energy. One example of an active solar system consists of dark-colored metal plates inside frames with glass tops. These systems are often mounted on the roof or in a location with good solar exposure. The metal plates absorb sunlight and transform it into thermal energy, which heats up a fluid inside the collector. The warmed fluid is moved into the house via a pump and the thermal energy of the fluid is transferred to the air or water inside the home. These solar collectors are stored high on a roof where they can collect the most sunlight. They need to be placed in an area where they will not be shaded by trees or other buildings. Heat can be stored in a large tank filled with liquid, or even in rock bins underneath the house. Both active and passive designs usually include some sort of back-up system like a furnace or wood stove, in case of extreme cold or cloudy weather.

STORAGE OF HEAT IN THE FLOOR AND WALLS South

North

SOLAR WATER HEATER

Solar Water Heating

Solar energy can also be used to heat water for household use.

Heating water for bathing and washing is the second largest home energy cost. Installing a solar water heater can cut that cost in half.

A solar water heater works a lot like solar space heating. In our hemisphere, a solar collector is often mounted on the south side of a roof where it can capture sunlight. The sunlight heats water and stores it in a tank. The hot water is piped to faucets throughout a house, just as it would be with an ordinary water heater. ©2026 The NEED Project

Energy From the Sun

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Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

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Radiant Energy to Electricity Solar energy can be used to produce electricity. Two ways to make electricity from solar energy are photovoltaic systems and systems using thermal energy.

Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic comes from the words photo, meaning light, and volt, a measurement of electricity. Photovoltaic cells are also called PV cells or solar cells for short. Using PV cells to harness the sun’s energy is a rapidly expanding science. The first practical PV cell was developed by Bell Telephone researchers. At first, PV cells were used primarily in space to power U.S. space satellites. Now PV cells are common in many different applications. You are probably familiar with photovoltaic cells. Solar-powered toys, calculators, and many lighted roadside signs all use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity.

Solar cells are made of a thin wafer of silicon, one of the elements found in sand and the second most common element on Earth. The top of the wafer has a very small amount of phosphorous added to it. This gives the top of the wafer an extra amount of free, negatively charged electrons. This is called n-type silicon because it has a habit of giving up its electrons, a negative character. The bottom of the wafer has a small amount of boron added to it, which has a tendency to attract electrons. It is called p-type silicon because of its positive character. When both of these chemicals have been added to the silicon wafer, some of the free electrons from the n-type silicon flow to the p-type silicon and an electric field forms between the layers at the p-n junction. The p-type now has a negative charge because it gained electrons. The n-type has become positive because it lost electrons.

When the PV cell is placed in the sun, the radiant energy excites the free electrons. If a circuit is made by connecting the wafer’s sides, electrons transfer their energy from atom to atom from the n-type through the wire to the p-type. The PV cell is producing electricity— the transfer of energy due to moving electrons. If a load such as a light bulb is placed along the wire forming a circuit, the electricity will do work as it flows to make the bulb light. The conversion of sunlight into electricity takes place silently and instantly. There are no mechanical parts to wear out, therefore photovoltaic systems last an extended period of time.

From Silicon to Electricity A location that can accept an electron Free electron Proton Tightly-held electron

STEP 1 NEGATIVE CHARACTER

n-type silicon p-type silicon

POSITIVE CHARACTER

STEP 2 POSITIVE CHARGE

n-type p-n junction p-type

NEGATIVE CHARGE

PHOTONS

STEP 3 POSITIVE CHARGE

n-type p-n junction p-type

NEGATIVE CHARGE

STEP 4

SUN

SUN sun

FREE ELECTRON

load

UTILITY-SCALE PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION

Photovoltaic systems can consist of small cells, like the ones that charge calculators, to systems that power individual homes, to large power plants powering many homes. The average size of a residential PV system installed is about 7.2 kilowatts. However, utility-scale PV can often be anywhere from 1 to 60 megawatts.

The sizes of residential, commercial, and utility-scale PV systems can vary greatly, depending on the space available for use.

New technologies are constantly being developed to make PV cells thinner and more flexible. There are now roofing shingles that are made of PV cells. Rather than putting panels on your roof, solar shingles can be used that match the conventional shingles for a more pleasing look. Scientists are developing PV cells that can be put into home windows and on thin, flexible film that can be attached to the outside of the home. There are even different types of solar paint!

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Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock/ PrimoRD

A single PV cell does not generate much electricity. Many cells are connected to create panels that will produce enough usable electricity to power devices or be transported to consumers.

©2026 The NEED Project

Energy From the Sun

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DISH/ENGINE SYSTEM

Concentrating Solar Power Systems

Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems also use solar energy to make electricity, but instead of only panels, they also use a turbine system. Since the solar radiation that reaches the Earth is so spread out, it must be concentrated to produce the high temperatures required to generate electricity using a steam turbine. There are several types of systems that use mirrors or other reflecting surfaces to concentrate the sun’s energy, increasing its intensity.

Linear concentrating systems use mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto receivers located just above the mirrors. The receivers are long tubes that carry either water that is directly converted to steam or fluid that transfers energy in a heat exchanger, which produces steam. The steam drives a turbine that turns a generator to make electricity. Linear concentrating systems are either parabolic trough systems, or linear Fresnel reflector systems.

Parabolic trough systems use long, curved mirrors in troughs that focus the sunlight onto a pipe located at the focal line. A fluid circulating inside the pipe collects the energy and transfers it to a heat exchanger, producing steam to drive a conventional turbine.

Five to ten acres of parabolic troughs are needed to produce one megawatt of electricity. The U.S. is home to several large parabolic trough systems in California, and the Solana plant in Arizona can generate 280 megawatts. A facility in Morocco generates 360 megawatts from its trough system and additional power from power towers and PV systems.

Photo courtesy of Sandia National Laboratory

Linear Fresnel reflector systems use several flat mirrors in groups to concentrate the sun onto a tube receiver above them. This arrangement allows the mirrors to better track the sun’s position for maximum reflection. The first linear Fresnel reflector system in the U.S. generates 5 megawatts of electricity in Bakersfield, CA.

LINEAR FRESNEL REFLECTORS

While parabolic trough systems are the most common in the United States, there are advantages and disadvantages to both systems. Parabolic trough systems are proven and have excellent performance. However, the parabolic mirrors are expensive to manufacture and the power plants require large amounts of land.

Linear Fresnel reflector systems use mirrors that are easier and cheaper to manufacture. However, the performance of linear Fresnel reflector systems does not yet match that of parabolic troughs.

Photos courtesy of the National Laboratory of the Rockies

Solar Power Tower RECEIVER PANEL has fluid inside that collects heat.

ROTATING MIRRORS focus sunlight onto receiver panel.

A solar power tower consists of a large field of sun-tracking mirrors, called heliostats, that focus solar energy on a receiver at the top of a centrally located tower. The enormous amount of energy in the sun’s rays focused at one point on the tower can produce temperatures over 500 degrees Celsius. The thermal energy is used for heating water or molten salt that saves the energy for later use.

In a heat exchanger, the hot water or molten salt heats the water and changes it to steam that is used to move the turbine generator. The largest solar power tower system in the world is found in California.

The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generation System uses three towers with over 170,000 heliostats and has a generating capacity of over 390 megawatts. This facility, however, is scheduled to shut down in 2026. Dubai is home to a solar park that is even larger than Ivanpah, at 600 MW which has a combination of tower and trough systems.

Dish/engine systems are like satellite dishes that concentrate sunlight rather than signals, with a heat engine located at the focal point to generate electricity. These generators can be small, mobile units that can be operated individually or in clusters, in urban and remote locations.

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7

Hybrid Electric Power Plants SHINING A LIGHT ON FPL SOLAR GENERATION

Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center, Indiantown, FL One of the challenges with generating electricity from solar energy is that people consume electricity 24 hours a day, but the sun only shines a portion of that time. One strategy to overcome that challenge is to build a hybrid facility. A hybrid facility is an electric generating plant that uses both renewable and nonrenewable energy sources in order to meet the electrical demand of the local community.

Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) has a combined-cycle natural gas power plant in Indiantown, FL. In 1989, a portion of the site was licensed for a coal-powered generation unit that was not constructed. Instead, ground was broken in 2008 to use 500 acres of the site for a solar-thermal array that transforms the sun’s energy into 75 MW of electricity.

The center uses about 200,000 parabolic mirrors to harness the sun’s energy. Using motors, the mirrors rotate to track the sun and take full advantage of daylight hours. At full peak, estimated electricity generation each year is 155,000 megawatt-hours, enough to power 11,000 homes. This makes the Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center the largest solar thermal power plant in the eastern United States.

The FPL Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center is the first hybrid solar facility in the world to connect a solar plant to an existing combined-cycle natural gas power plant. Steam produced by the concentrated solar thermal system is transferred to the same steam turbine that the natural gas plant uses. The electricity generated in this process is then sent out onto the grid through existing transmission lines. Connecting the solar plant to the natural gas plant reduced the cost to build the solar facility. This will allow FPL to reduce its natural gas use by 1.3 billion cubic feet each year, saving customers $178 million in fuel costs over the life of the solar facility. Over its lifetime, the center will also prevent 2.75 million tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere— the equivalent of removing more than 18,500 cars from the road every year for 30 years.

When constructing any energy facility, engineers and planners must take many things into account. When building the Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center, plant engineers had to consider Florida’s hurricane season. The motors that move the mirrors also allow the mirrors to flip upside down for protection.

The mirrors are built on an advanced aluminum truss system that can sustain winds up to 130 miles per hour.

The FPL Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center showcases how utilities are bringing all energy sources into their generation plans and finding ways to connect renewable and nonrenewable energy sources to provide the electricity needed night and day.

PARABOLIC TROUGH SYSTEM

FPL 30 BY 2030 CAMPAIGN FPL began construction in 2019 to create additional solar energy centers in Florida. This move is part of their plan to install more than 30 million panels by 2030, and make Florida a world leader in solar energy. FPL aims to have more than 11,700 megawatts of solar capacity by 2030. Construction is nearly 50 percent complete with more than 40 solar energy centers online and operating in FPL territory.

The fleet of panels provides more capacity than any other utility in the U.S, and when complete, solar will make up more than 20% of FPL’s total energy supply. The campaign also includes the creation of a solar-powered battery system, and local natural resource preservation projects in the areas where solar is installed.

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Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock Image

Parabolic troughs concentrate the sun’s radiant energy, heating fluid that is used to create steam. The steam turns a generator, which produces electricity.

©2026 The NEED Project

Energy From the Sun

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Benefits and Limitations of Solar Technology Solar energy has great potential for the future. Radiant energy from the sun is free and its supplies are unlimited. It cannot be controlled by any one nation or industry. The electricity generated by photovoltaics does not pollute the environment; however, the manufacturing of the PV cell does have an environmental impact.

As we improve the technology to harness the sun’s enormous power, we can work toward a sustainable energy future.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar electric systems are safe, clean, and quiet to operate.

Solar systems are highly reliable.

Solar systems require very little maintenance.

Solar systems are cost-effective in remote areas and for some residential and commercial applications.

Solar systems are flexible and can be expanded to meet increasing electrical needs for homes and businesses.

Solar systems can provide independence from the grid or backup during outages.

The fuel is renewable and free and domestically produced.

Harnessing solar energy spurs economic development.

Using solar energy to generate electricity produces no greenhouse gases.

Challenges of Solar Energy

PV systems are not well suited for energy-intensive uses such as heating.

Grid-connected systems are often expensive, except in areas with high electricity rates where local incentives are offered.

We cannot harness solar energy at night.

To be used around the clock, solar systems require battery or thermal storage.

Utility scale systems require a large amount of land.

The highest solar concentration is found in areas far from population centers.

Systems are affected by shading, cloudy weather, and dirt accumulation.

Large utility-scale concentrated solar systems require large amounts of water in areas where there is very little water.

Due to the cost per kilowatt-hour to generate electricity from PV, power companies often opt for cheaper sources for generation.

The process to make some solar electric technologies can have harmful effects on the environment.

CSP facilities can affect wildlife in an area.

Environmental Impacts of the Solar Industry Solar energy is very commonly viewed in a positive light. Every source of energy, however, has its environmental benefits and drawbacks. Where solar is concerned, there are a few key negative impacts for us to watch as solar installations continue to grow. The process of manufacturing solar technologies involves the mining and processing of raw materials, which can lead to habitat loss and destruction, erosion, and water pollution when the mining methods are not monitored and managed. Mining contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases as land is disturbed. The chemicals and chemical processes used to create the solar technologies from the raw materials can also involve toxic substances, however, they are often sealed well within the panels, so they are not released after manufacture. Solar technology production can also be quite water intensive, and CSP facilities consume a lot of water for cooling. The installation of utility-scale solar technology requires a lot of land surface. Construction and installation can lead to habitat loss or ecosystem disruption. As with any technology, we also need to consider what happens to a solar panel when it is no longer in use or useable. Recycling and safe disposal of solar technology is necessary to avoid any further pollution or contamination.

While the concerns about solar may seem numerous, the benefits of solar energy and the solar industry are just as plentiful. Solar energy is a renewable resource, available almost everywhere for some period of time. Installing solar technologies is an important climate change mitigation tactic, as solar technologies produce little to no direct greenhouse gas emissions and can help to lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to coal, oil, and natural gas. When solar facilities are sited properly, the land around and under the panels can still be used for agriculture and have little impact on native vegetation or be used to shade large areas of asphalt like parking lots. When solar technology is used to absorb solar radiation, it can often help to reduce the heat island effect on the Earth’s surface.

Annual Installed Grid-Connected PV Capacity by Sector Average Size of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems

Annual Installed Grid-Connected PV Capacity by Sector 50000

RESIDENTIAL: 5 - 10 kW

Utility Non-Residential Residential

40000

COMMERCIAL: 30 - 110 kW

30000

20000

UTILITY: 1 - 10 MW

10000

0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Data: Interstate Renewable Energy Council, LBNL, EIA Photos (left, top to bottom): Adobe Stock, Performance Services Incorporated, jeson/Adobe Stock

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Energy From the Sun

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9

Careers in the Solar Industry There are a number of careers in the solar industry, from researching to assembly and beyond. For more information on these and additional solar careers, visit www.bls.gov/green/solar_power.

Research and Development Physicists develop theories, observe, measure, and interpret data, and use mathematics to improve the efficiency of solar panels and technologies. They also research new materials to use for solar technology.

Chemists explore the properties of matter and the reactions of substances to improve solar technology design and create new materials.

Manufacturing Semiconductor processors are responsible for turning the semiconductor materials into photovoltaic cells. They oversee the handling of silicon crystal blocks, called ingots, and thin slices of silicon, called wafers, making sure they are connected and arranged correctly into large panels. The processes are usually automated, but the processors must test and ensure the connections and circuitry are being assembled correctly. They wear special suits to reduce the likelihood of contamination of the delicate cells and circuitry. Onthe-job training is often provided, but electronics knowledge and experience may be helpful.

WELDERS

Materials Scientists study the structure and properties of materials to improve existing products or develop new ones that are more cost-effective, more efficient, and more aesthetically pleasing or functional for their users.

Scientists like physicists, chemists and materials scientists in the Research and Development side of the solar industry often work indoors, and may work for an educational institution, government funded laboratory, or private company. A doctoral degree is often needed, but many researchers in the industry may start with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

ENGINEERS Image courtesy of Adobe Stock/ wi6995

Welders use heat to melt and fuse metals to bond materials together in the manufacturing of the photovoltaic cells and panels.

Welders require certifications, apprenticeships, and training, due to the high heat and specialized equipment often required. PV cell manufacturing also uses soldering and brazing, to join pieces of cells together using metals with lower melting points. These positions may not require as much training.

Image courtesy of Adobe Stock/ Gorodenkoff

Engineering Engineers use their science and math skills to plan and create solutions to technical problems, design, construct, supervise and maintain solar projects. Engineers in the solar industry work with computers and software systems, and can work both indoors and outdoors, for offices, labs, power plants, or manufacturers. There are many engineering types that can work within the solar industry, including: materials, chemical, electrical, industrial, mechanical, and software. Engineers often have a bachelor’s degree, but some, more technical positions may require a more advanced degree, certifications, and/or continuing education.

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Glaziers handle delicate materials like glass and mirrors in the solar manufacturing process. Glaziers manufacture, install, and maintain mirrors in CSP plants, even refurbishing damaged mirrors. In PV plants, glaziers cut and install glass-like materials and seal them onto the solar panel. Glaziers can be trained on-the-job.

Industrial production managers are in charge of the planning and coordination of all the work that takes place in the solar manufacturing facility. They determine the machinery that is used, how to improve production, and solve problems with quality control. Managers usually have a bachelor’s degree in business, industrial technology, or engineering.

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Development Environmental scientists help to ensure that environmental rules and regulations are followed to protect the ecosystem where solar facilities are built. They help to oversee construction and operation of facilities to make sure that hazards are minimized to the environment and population surrounding a solar project. Environmental scientists often have a bachelor’s degree at minimum, and depending on their employer, may require a license to inspect and oversee testing and monitoring of an area.

Real Estate Brokers are responsible for securing the land access where a solar facility will be built. Sometimes this involves purchasing the land or leasing it from the owners. Brokers often have to work with government agencies, community organizations, utilities, lawyers, accountants, and the project managers and engineers to ensure the project and land are suitable for development. Solar industry real estate brokers may also need special knowledge of federal rules and regulations, as solar projects can be placed on federal lands that are leased from the government. Brokers often have a bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, or engineering at minimum, but many may also have legal or other specialized credentials that help in securing land permits and leases.

Meteorologists study weather and the atmosphere. Meteorologists in the solar industry study weather patterns and create models to determine if a specific area will be a good area for developing and constructing a solar energy facility. Meteorologists often have a bachelor’s degree or higher and may have special licenses and credentials to work in specific areas.

Power plant operators are in charge of monitoring the electricity generation and power distribution of the power plant. They often work from a control room on-site, and monitor the solar equipment, instruments, gauges, and computerized systems to communicate with utilities and transmission organizations to make sure that power is properly supplied and distributed, and equipment is operating correctly. Many power plant operators have a bachelor’s degree, but it may not be required. Regular on-the-job training is required in addition to certifications and background checks.

Plumbers, pipefitters, or steamfitters install and repair pipe systems most often found at CSP facilities. These systems carry steam, or thermal energy-transferring materials (sand, salt, or oils), from one part of the facility to another to generate electricity, and workers must monitor the high temperatures and pressures to ensure the materials move through the pipes at the correct flow rate.

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters undergo extensive training and apprenticeships, and often belong to laborer’s unions that require safety programs, and specialized training and certifications.

They often work outdoors, or in tight spaces and must be able to lift heavy pipes and equipment.

Electricians install and maintain wiring and any electrical equipment that connect the solar systems to the electrical grid. Electricians in the solar industry may work with generators, transformers, inverters, computer systems, and heavy equipment. Electricians undergo extensive training and apprenticeships, and often belong to laborer’s unions that require safety programs, and specialized training and certifications. Electricians in the solar industry work both indoors and outdoors.

Solar photovoltaic installers install and connect residential and commercial solar projects. They often work on the roofs of houses or buildings to survey and plan for installation, attach the panels, connect the equipment, and ensure the systems work. Installers must have a good knowledge of power tools, electrical circuitry, and wiring, be comfortable with mathematical calculations, be able to make quick repairs and solve problems, and work safely outdoors in various conditions. Installers often have a background in construction or electrical work or may take courses or apprenticeship programs to become licensed.

METEOROLOGIST

SOLAR PV INSTALLER

Image courtesy of Adobe Stock/wi6995

Construction and Operation Construction workers work to prepare the site and build the infrastructure needed to support a solar project. Workers can perform and specialize in a variety of tasks from concrete pouring, metalwork, demolition, assembly, heavy machinery operation, safety coordination, and management. Many construction workers are trained on-the-job, but some may have apprenticeships and specialized experience or certifications that allow them to work with a specific task on-site.

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Image courtesy of Adobe Stock/ anatoliy_gleb

11

HIGH

More than 6

5 to 6

4 to 5

3 to 4

Less than 3

LOW

Annual Average Solar Concentration (KILOWATT-HOURS PER SQUARE METER PER DAY)

Solar Resources in the United States Annual Average Solar Concentration

Note: Alaska and Hawaii not shown to scale Data: National Laboratory of the Rockies

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12

KWL Organizer for Solar Energy What I Think I Know

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What I Want to Know

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What I Learned

13

Radiation Cans ? Question  What happens to the sun’s radiant energy when it comes in contact with a black can or a shiny can?

 Hypothesis In your science notebook, write your hypothesis in an “If…then…because…” format.

 ! Caution Do not look directly at the sun or its reflection; doing so can be harmful to your eyesight.

 Materials 1 Set of radiation cans (one black and one shiny) 2 Thermometers 1 Beaker Room temperature water Light source (sunny day or bright artificial light) Timer

Procedure 1. Put thermometers into the empty black and shiny cans and replace the lids. Position the thermometers so they are not touching the bottoms of the cans. Record the starting temperature of both cans.

2. Place the cans in a sunny place or under the light source. Record the temperature every minute for fifteen minutes using the data table on the next page.

3. Calculate the change in temperature for each can and record it in the DT column of the data table.

4. Remove the cans from the direct light. Take the lid off of each can and allow the air inside to return to room temperature.

5. Fill both cans with 150 mL of room temperature water and record the temperatures.

6. Place the cans under the same light source. Record the temperature every minute for 15 minutes.

7. Calculate the change in temperature for each can and record it in the DT column of the data table.

 Conclusions 1. What have you learned about converting radiant energy into heat? How does that relate to reflection and absorption of radiant energy in the black and shiny cans?

2. Compare the results of measuring temperature change in cans with air and cans with water. What did you notice? Use data to explain what happened in each trial.

3. What color should a solar water heater be and why? Use data to support your answer.

14

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 Data Use or re-create the tables below in your science notebook for your data.

Air Only Starting Temperature

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

DT

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

DT

Black Can Shiny Can

Room Temperature Water Starting Temperature

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Black Can Shiny Can

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15

Solar Concentration ? Question  What effect do reflectors have on the amount of solar radiation collected?

 Hypothesis In your science notebook, write your hypothesis in an “If…then…because…” format.

 ! Caution Do not look directly at the sun or its reflection; doing so can be harmful to your eyesight.

 Materials FOR EACH GROUP 1 Set of radiation cans (one black and one shiny) Clay 2 Thermometers Cold water 1 Beaker Light source (sunny day or bright artificial light) Ruler

 Materials FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS Group B—2 Concave mirrors Group C—4 Concave mirrors Group D—2 Flat mirrors Group E—4 Flat mirrors

Procedure 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Fill the silver and black radiation cans with 150 mL of cold water.

Put a thermometer into each can and position them so the thermometers are in the water but not touching the bottoms of the cans.

Replace the lids. Record the temperature of the water on your data table in the starting temperature column.

Place the cans in the light source. If using a lamp, make sure all cans are equidistant from the lamp.

Position the mirrors for your group using the following instructions: Group A: The control—cans without mirrors.

Group B: Position one concave mirror behind each can so that the mirrors focus sunlight onto the cans. The mirrors should be about seven centimeters (7 cm) from the outside edge of the can. Use pieces of clay to hold the mirrors in the correct position.

Group C: Position two concave mirrors behind each can as described above.

Group D: Position one flat mirror behind each can as described above.

Group E: Position two flat mirrors behind each can as described above.

Record the temperatures of the water in your group’s cans every minute for 15 minutes.

Calculate the change in temperature and record it in the DT column on the data table in your science notebook.

Share your data with the other groups and record their findings in your data table in your science notebook.

 Conclusions 1.

2.

16

Compare and contrast how the shape of the mirror and the color of the container influence the amount of heat energy absorbed. Use data to support your answer.

How does the solar industry use concentrated solar power to produce electricity?

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 Data Use or re-create the table below in your science notebook for your data.

Put your initials by the cans you are responsible for and record your data.

When you are done, share your data with the class, and fill in the rest of the data based on other groups’ results.

Starting Temperature

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

DT

Black Can with no mirror Shiny Can with no mirror Black Can with one concave mirror Shiny Can with one concave mirror Black Can with two concave mirrors Shiny Can with two concave mirrors Black Can with one flat mirror Shiny Can with one flat mirror Black Can with two flat mirrors Shiny Can with two flat mirrors

Use this guide to place the mirror 7 cm away from the can.

Mirror

Can

7 cm

7 cm

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17

Solar Distiller ? Question  What happens when colored water evaporates?

 Hypothesis In your science notebook, write your hypothesis in an “If…then…because…” format.

 Materials 1 Large container (e.g., cake pan, glass bowl, disposable aluminum pan) 1 - 100 mL Beaker (or small glass bowl shorter than the depth of your larger dish) 1 Marble Clear plastic wrap Large rubber band Water Food coloring Sunny day or bright light source

Procedure 1. Measure and pour 50 mL of water into the large container.

2. Add four (4) drops of food coloring to the water and mix. Record the color of the water.

3. Set the small beaker/bowl in the center of the large plastic container. Weigh it down if it is floating.

4. Place the plastic wrap over the top of the large plastic container leaving a depression in the center over the small beaker/bowl. Secure the plastic wrap with the rubber band, making sure no air is able to flow in or out of the model.

5. Place a marble in the center of the plastic wrap over the small beaker/bowl.

6. Place the container in the full sun, or bright light.

7. Observe the container after 30 minutes.

 Data Record your observations using pictures and words in your science notebook.

 Conclusions 1. What did you observe in the center small beaker/ bowl?

2. Draw and label the solar distiller. Explain the processes of evaporation and condensation in the Plastic Wrap solar distiller.

3. Draw and label Earth’s natural water cycle. Explain the processes of evaporation and condensation in Rubber Band the water cycle. Compare and contrast how they are the same and how they are different.

Marble sitting in the middle of plastic

 Extension Test a variety of liquids to find out which ones contain water.

18

Colored Water

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Photovoltaic Cells ? Question  How does changing the amount of radiant energy reaching the solar panel affect the panel’s electrical output?

 Hypothesis In your science notebook, write your hypothesis in an “If…then…because…” format.

 Materials 1 PV module 1 Motor 1 Fan or rotating disks Paper Bright light source

Procedure 1. Attach the motor to the PV module by removing the screws on the posts of the PV module, sliding one connector from the motor onto each post, then reconnecting the screws.

2. Attach the fan or disks to the stem of the motor so that you can see the motion of the motor.

3. Place the module under a bright light source. Record your observations in your science notebook.

4. Cover ¼, then ½, then ¾ of the module using a piece of paper and observe what happens to the spinning of the fan. Record your observations in your science notebook.

5. Hold the PV module at different angles to the sun. Estimate the angles you use. Observe and record your observations.

6. Cover part of the PV module and change its angle. Observe and record your observations.

7. Observe and note the direction of the spin of the fan. Remove the wires from the PV module posts and connect them to the opposite posts. Observe and record your observations.

 Conclusions 1. What have you learned about PV cells and their ability to convert radiant energy into electricity?

2. How does changing the area of sunlight exposure on the PV module affect the amount of electricity produced?

3. How does changing the angle of the PV module to the sunlight affect the amount of electricity produced?

4. Which angle and exposure of the PV module produced the most electricity?

5. Explain the results of reversing the wires on the PV module posts.

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Temperature and UV Beads ? Question  Does temperature affect the rate at which UV beads change colors?

& Background UV stands for ultraviolet light, a type of electromagnetic radiation that travels in a wave-like pattern. UV light is found within sunlight but is invisible. You are probably aware of the effects of UV radiation because you wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect you from it. UV light produces chemical reactions that can cause a substance to glow or fluoresce, or your skin to burn or tan. It also causes the formation of Vitamin D, an essential vitamin for humans and other organisms. A good amount of harmful UV radiation gets blocked by the ozone layer, but the little amounts that get through will lead to these chemical changes. UV beads contain special color-changing pigments that are sensitive to UV light from the sun and other sources. The reaction in these beads is also extended with a change in temperature. Does your skin have the same response?

 Hypothesis In your science notebook, write your hypothesis in an “If…then…because…” format.

 Materials 4 Foam cups UV beads 4 Thermometers Ice—a few cubes Beaker (250 mL or 100 mL) Permanent marker Timer, clock, or watch with second hand Sunny day Hot, cold, and room temperature water

Procedure 1. Allow the UV beads to sit in sunlight for a brief moment.

2. Gather four UV beads of the same color.

3. Use the marker to label each of the cups as follows: Cup 1—room temperature water Cup 2—hot water Cup 3—ice water Cup 4—room temperature water 4. Add 1 UV bead to each cup.

5. Add 100 mL of room temperature water to Cup 1.

6. Add 100 mL of hot water to Cup 2.

7. Add ice and 100 mL water to Cup 3.

8. Add 100 mL of room temperature water to Cup 4. Cup 1 will remain indoors as the control.

9. Take a temperature reading of each of the cups and record it on the data chart.

10. Record the color of the beads.

11. Take Cups 2, 3, and 4 outside into the sunlight for one minute.

12. Record your observations after one minute of UV exposure and be as specific with the color observations as you can.

13. Return to your classroom and wait one minute. Record your observations in the data chart. Compare the beads you took outside to the bead you left in the classroom. Record your observations.

14. Wait two more minutes and compare the beads again. Note the color and record your observations.

20

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 Data Use the table below or re-create it in your science notebook to record your data.

Beginning

Cup 1 - Control

Cup 2

Cup 3

Cup 4

Room Temp. Water

Hot Water

Ice Water

Room Temp. Water

Temperature Color of Beads

1 minute of UV exposure

Temperature Color of Beads

1 minute indoor exposure

Temperature Color of Beads

3 minutes indoor exposure

Temperature Color of Beads

 Conclusions 1.

2.

3.

4.

What happened to the beads when exposed to UV light outside?

What happened to the beads one minute after returning back inside?

Which temperature of water affected the beads the most? How? Did the water temperature affect the rate at which the UV beads lost their color?

 Extension Test multiple colors of beads at the same time. Do the beads change colors at different rates?

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Solar Balloon ? Question  What will happen when the solar balloon is filled with air and taken outside on a sunny day?

 Hypothesis In your science notebook, write your hypothesis in an “If…then…because…” format. Be sure to support or explain your hypothesis using the concepts you explored in previous activities. Incorporate at least five words from the word bank below in your explanation. Circle the words you chose to use!

 Materials Solar balloon Fishing line or lightweight string Sunny day

Word Bank absorbs air converts gas heat light radiant energy reflection transforms thermal energy

Procedure 1. Take the solar balloon outside. Tie one end of the balloon and fill it with air. When the balloon is full, tie the open end closed. Tie fishing line or lightweight string to the balloon and let it sit in the sunlight. Observe what happens. Record your observations.

 Conclusion 1. Do you support or reject your hypothesis? Explain why using evidence from your observations. Use words from the word bank above to explain what happened to the balloon.

22

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Solar Oven Challenge ? Question  How does the design of a solar oven affect the transformation of radiant energy to thermal energy?

 Hypothesis In your science notebook, write your hypothesis in an “If…then…because…” format.

 Materials Used in Teacher Sample Masking tape 1 Paper plate Black construction paper Thermometer Food to cook Various materials provided by your teacher

1 Small pizza box or cardboard box Plastic wrap or transparency sheet Aluminum foil 1 Wooden skewer (12”-18”) Marker Scissors Ruler

Procedure 1. Read over the general solar oven directions below and look at the materials provided by your teacher.

2. List all of the possible variables you could change in your solar oven design.

3. In your science notebook, or using the next page, sketch possible designs. Discuss with your group all of your different ideas. Choose one solar oven design to build.

4. Gather the materials you need.

5. Build your solar oven and test its efficiency using the oven thermometer.

6. Make any needed design changes that will enable your solar oven to cook food efficiently.

General Directions to Build a Solar Oven Using a Pizza Box 1. On the top of the pizza box, use your marker to draw a square with edges spaced 1” from all sides of the box.

2. Use scissors to cut along the sides and front edge of the lid, leaving the fourth side along the box’s hinge uncut.

3. Tape aluminum foil to the inside surface of the new flap you just cut, shiny side visible. This is to reflect sunlight into the box. Smooth out any wrinkles that might occur.

4. Tape plastic wrap to the original box flap so that it covers the hole you cut into the flap. Seal all four of the edges with tape.

5. Tape black construction paper to the bottom inside of the box. This will help absorb the incoming sunlight.

6. Cover any air leaks around the box edges with tape, making sure that the box can still be opened to place food inside or remove it later.

7. Go outside in the sunlight and place the solar oven on a level flat surface.

8. Place food items on a paper plate and place it inside the oven. Put the oven thermometer inside the oven where you will be able to see it without moving the oven.

9. Tape one end of a wooden skewer to the reflector lid, attach the other end to the box to adjust reflector.

10. Let the food cook and periodically check the reflector angle to make sure sunlight is getting inside the oven.

 Conclusions 1. What factors contributed to the successful cooking of the food?

2. What effect did changing the variable(s) have on converting radiant energy to thermal energy? How could you improve your design?

3. What are the practical applications where solar ovens could be used? ©2026 The NEED Project

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Solar Oven Challenge A solar oven needs to let radiant energy in, convert that radiant energy to thermal energy, and keep the thermal energy inside to cook the food. Use this page to brainstorm solar oven design possibilities.

Step One: Sketch

Step Two: Compare

Brainstorm possible solar oven designs. Label the materials you will use and explain why.

Share your design with the other members of your group. What is similar? What is different?

Step Three: Final Design Choose one design that your group will use. Sketch the design here. Label the materials you will use and explain why you think this is the best design.

24

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Designing a Solar House You have been commissioned by the National Energy Education Development Project to design a home using passive and active solar design principles. You will be expected to present the solar home design to potential buyers (your peers). You will need to explain what the solar features are, how they work, and why they are beneficial to the energy efficiency of your home.

 Guidelines Sketch at least two designs, and choose one to develop completely.

Draw the design on graph paper.

Indicate cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) on your drawing.

Label all components including windows, doors, type of solar systems, and any other information that will help explain your design.

Include landscaping plans and label those on your drawing as well.

Write a paragraph about your house design explaining the choices you made.

Use the topic organizer on page 26 to develop a short presentation about your design.

 Planning

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Presentation Topic Organizer Important Information

Additional Information Needed

Topic Graphics Needed

26

Design of Presentation

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Solar Industry Career Research Design a poster or digital project advertising one of the solar industry careers listed below. Use websites like careeronestop.com or www.bls.gov to watch videos on the chosen career and to research the questions asked below.

Solar Industry Careers Atmospheric Scientists Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Electrical and Electronics Repairers Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay Electricians Environmental Scientists Glaziers

Materials Scientists Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Power Plant Operators Project Management Specialists Real Estate Brokers Semiconductor Processing Technicians Solar Energy Installation Managers Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Solar Photovoltaic Installers Solar Sales Representatives Solar Technicians Solar Thermal Installers Welders, Solderers, and Brazers

Career title: Career description: How many people work in this career today?

What is the median annual wage for this career?

What education and experience do you need to start in this career?

List three activities someone in this career might do in a typical day.

1.

2.

3.

People working in this career often have certain skills. Describe two of the skills that you also have or excel in.

1.

2.

Other optional information:

Citations:

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27

a

b

c

Glossary

active solar home

using specialized pumps, fans, and/or equipment to move heated air or power a home

concentrating solar power technologies that focus the energy from the sun onto one smaller area creating high temperatures that system can produce electricity

28

dish/engine system

a type of solar collector that uses satellite-like dishes and an engine to track and focus the sun’s rays to a focus point

Fresnel lens

a lens designed to capture light using concentric circles in sections on its surface

greenhouse effect

the trapping of energy from the sun by the atmosphere, due to the presence of certain gases; the atmosphere acts like a greenhouse

grid

the layout of the system of electrical distribution lines

heat exchanger

any device that transfers heat from one fluid to another, or to the environment

heliostat

a sun-seeking or tracking mirror that changes its direction to follow the sun’s rays

hybrid solar system

using a combination of active and passive solar designs to heat and power a home; see active solar home; see passive solar home

kilowatt

a unit of power, usually used for electric power or energy consumption; 1,000 watts

linear concentrating system

a system of mirrors in a line that focus sunlight onto receivers that carry liquid to a heat exchanger

linear Fresnel reflector system

a system using groups of flat mirrors to focus sunlight onto a receiver; lenses capture light at angles to better focus light onto the receiver; see Fresnel lens

megawatt

unit of electric power equal to 1,000 kilowatts or one million watts

nuclear fusion

when the nuclei of atoms are combined or “fused” together; the sun combines the nuclei of hydrogen atoms into helium atoms during fusion

nuclei

more than one nucleus; nuclei are the centers of atoms that hold protons and neutrons

parabolic trough system

a type of solar collector that has a parabolic shaped reflector to focus radiant energy

passive solar home

a means of capturing, storing, and using heat from the sun without using specialized equipment

photovoltaic

from the words photo and volt; means energy from light; see photovoltaic cell

photovoltaic cell

a device, usually made from silicon, which converts some of the energy from light (radiant energy) into electric energy; another name for a solar cell

radiant energy

any form of energy radiating from a source in electromagnetic waves

renewable

fuels that can be easily made or replenished; we can never use up renewable fuels

silicon

an element commonly found on Earth that is frequently used for semiconductors, PV cells, and electric equipment

solar collector

an item, like a car or greenhouse, that absorbs radiant energy from the sun and traps it within

solar power tower

a device that focuses solar energy on a single spot using reflection, producing high temperatures that can create steam to turn turbines

space heating

heating the interior of a building or home

thermal energy

the energy contained within a substance due to the random motion of atoms and molecules of the material

utility-scale

term used to describe an electric generation device that provides megawatts of power for distribution

watt

a unit of power, usually for electric measurments; describes the rate at which work is done or energy is used

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Youth AWards Program for Energy Achievement

Youth Energy Conference & Awards

NEED’s annual Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement rewards students for their efforts in energy outreach and student leadership.

The NEED Youth Energy Conference and Awards gives students more opportunities to learn about energy and to explore energy in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

The Youth Awards Program is great for all schools—new to energy education, or veteran. Projects and outreach completed for the program provide opportunity for enrichment and engagement, as well as an opportunity for your students, classroom, and school to shine. Youth Awards projects can be completed by afterschool/out-of-school time programs, community groups, and even families!

The annual June conference has students from across the country working in groups on an Energy Challenge designed to stretch their minds and energy knowledge.

The conference culminates with the Youth Awards Ceremony recognizing student work throughout the year and during the conference.

For More Info: www.NEED.org/youthenergyconference

What’s involved?

Students and teachers set goals and objectives and keep a record of their activities. Students create a digital project to submit for judging. In April, digital projects are uploaded to the online submission site.

Check out: For more information and project submission details, we invite you to visit https://youthawards.NEED.org. Be sure to explore the site to view past winning projects and garner inspiration!

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Looking for more energy information and resources?

Check out the “Student” section of NEED’s website for great energy information and resources, including our graphics library, science fair project ideas, video clips, our Energy Infosheets, and much more!

Visit www.NEED.org/NEED-students

URANIUM A T A GLANCE

WHAT IS UR

ANIUM?

Uranium is a naturally occur ring radioactiv heavy and is e element, that classified as is very hard and a metal. It is fissioned. It is also one of the the fuel used few elements by nuclear powe that is easily the Earth was r plants. Uran created and ium was form is found in rocks ed when a lot of urani all over the world um are called . Rocks that conta uranium ore, abundant, is or in pitch -blende. Uran a nonrenewa ium, although ble energy sourc Three forms e. (isotopes) of uranium are uranium-235 found in nature, urani and uranium-2 um-234, 38. These numb and protons ers refer in each atom to the numb . Uranium-235 er of neutrons production becau is the form comm se, unlike the only used for other isotopes, energy bombarded the nucleus splits by a neutron.

During fissio easily when bombarding n, the uranium-2 neutron, causi 35 atom absor ng its nucleus bs a mass. At the to split apart same time, the into two atoms of fission reaction radiation, as lighter releases energ well as relea y as heat and sing more neutr on to bombard ons. The newl other uranium y released neutr atoms, and the ons go over. This is called process repea a chain react ts itself over ion. and

WHAT IS NU

URANIUM FU

EL C YCLE

Uranium pr ov consumed ided 8.50 percent of in the Unite al d States in l energy 2022.

The steps— from mining the uranium disposal—a ore, through re called the its use in a nucl uranium fuel ear reactor, cycle

to its

TOP NUCLEA

R STATES

CLEAR ENER

GY

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PENNSYLVA

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NORTH CAR OLIN

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30

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Energy From the Sun

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Games, Puzzles, and Activities Looking for some fun energy activities? There are plenty of fun games, puzzles, and activities available at www.NEED.org/need-students/games-puzzles-activities/.

WIND

y energ ’s iant sun y rad s the ce b . rb a rf so b su wind r, it a rth’s ating e Ea tor wate , cre of th and lace Equa ating s of land take its p near the e h nd even type in to e un rent the la ows use diffe by th ter fl s. al beca very e wa used Pole anim e of ated is ca uth er th and mad ir ov d So re cre on. It a is n a . l ti a e yard h o o c urce rfa orth Eart r, co and in m so su N e s, se ir y e ’s p n a th rg rth ply , cro r, de ircle ear th r ene e Ea od. ood is sim eavie ds that c nd n othe ce th eir fo rce. W he h an la any Wind n. Sin win ok th n th tes. T y sou er than eric d co e su the su erent ra nerg osph es an long an e by th from iff m tm s ss d o a re a a t h o e d m ya use biom y, th their ated energ n be e wa used heat is he ave at ca d to e sam er th ple h woo In th matt . Peo rned anic mass have bu rg io o b f any les o eople ass is amp ars, p Biom e are ex of ye nds wast ousa es, For th d lin otte ng d ter in alo en Fold et the c e to m

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