2. HISTORY
Since the Industrial Revolution in the 19th
century the United States has released
harmful greenhouse gases and toxic fuel
emissions into the air.
Department of Energy created in Carter
Administration with a national energy
program.
National Conservation Policy Act in 1978 set
standards and offered financing for
conservation in buildings.
3. WHAT IS IT?
Solar power allows us to harnesses the
energy from the sun and use it to power and
heat homes.
4. Three types of solar energy: photovoltaic
(PV), concentrating solar power (CSP),
thermal power
Most of the sun’s energy is gathered during
the day
Solar energy is most ideal for heating homes
and water.
Solar energy is clean and renewable
5. EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
The burning of fossil fuels from power plants
pollutes the air we breathe.
Contributes to the growing global warming
problem
Over half of the fossil fuels are imported in
America
An avg. American carbon
dioxide footprint is around
36,000 pounds per year
7. BENEFITS
Sun provides us with enough energy on the
earth’s surface to supply us with about 1000
Watts/sq meter.
Solar panels easy to install on top of rooftops of
homes and buildings, allowing them to function
independently.
Solar energy can be stored and used on cloudy
days.
By 2020, if the growth of the PV industry
increases, over 150,000 jobs will be created in
renewable energy.
8. COSTS
Solar power is being produced during the
day when electricity costs are the highest.
Start out with a solar power water
heater at $2,000 to $3,000 and
your overall electric bill will drop
by 18% to 30%
Government and local tax breaks,
subsidies and refunds offer you up to 50% of
your initial cost back.
9.
10. WORKS CITED
"Energy." West's Encyclopedia of American
Law. Ed. Shirelle Phelps and Jeffrey
Lehman. 2nd ed. Vol. 4. Detroit: Gale, 2005.
143-144. Gale Virtual Reference Library.
Web. 30 Apr. 2012.
"Growth in Renewable Energy." MCT Photos.
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services,
2010. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context.
Web. 30 Apr. 2012.
11. Hamer, Glenn. "Solar Power Can Help Fuel
the Future." Energy Alternatives. Ed. Barbara
Passero. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006.
Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Solar
Power 2002." World & I 17 (June 2002). Gale
Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 30
Apr. 2012.