Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

Part I: SOLAR

Warm-up

Draw an image of what solar energy looks like. How do you think solar energy works?

What are some ways in that you can use solar energy at home? Draw from the energy efficient homes that we discussed earlier in class.

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Active Solar

Passive solar

PASSIVE SOLAR Solar Energy

Passive Solar

Absorbs and stores heat from the sun directly within a structure without the need for pumps to distribute the heat.

Pros and Cons of Passive Solar?

Advantages Energy is free Net energy moderate No CO2 emissions Low air and water

pollution Low land disturbance

Disadvantages Initial cost is high Sun could be blocked

by other structures May be unattractive Need access to sun for

it to work

Cooling houses naturally

Insulation Take advantage of breezes Shading them Having light colored or green roofs

ACTIVE SOLARSolar Energy

Active Solar

Converts solar energy into electricity

Solar Thermal

Solar Thermal

Solar Thermal

Photovoltaic Cell

Photovoltaic Cells

Made out of semiconductors

PV Cells

Solar cells can be used in rural villages with ample sunlight who are not connected to an electrical grid.

Pros and Cons of Active Solar

Advantages No CO2 emissions Not as bad

environmental impact as other sources

Fast construction

Disadvantages Low efficiency High costs Back up system

needed High land use May disturb desert

areas

Discussion

Should the world greatly increase its dependence on solar cells? How about California, specifically? Explain your reasoning.

Solar Pizza Box Oven

Passive?orActive?

Next Class:

We will building our own solar pizza box oven!