2. Objectives Determine how the sun produces energy Describe what is used to collect the sun’s energy Identify areas where solar energy would be profitable
3. How does the sun produce energy? Fusion The sun fuses together 2 hydrogen molecules It can only happen because the core of the sun is so hot, 19 million degrees Fahrenheit Energy radiates from the sun in the form of light Light contains the energy of the sun
4. Getting the energy from the light The earth only gets a very small portion of the total energy the sun produces That energy is indirectly responsible for most forms of energy on earth Fossil Fuels Wind Energy Biomass
5. Getting Energy from Light Light from the sun can provide energy Collect light using solar panels aka photovoltaic (PV) cells These panels are pointed at the sun to receive sunlight We use the energy for transportation, heating, cooling, and electricity
9. Pros and Cons of solar energy Pros There is a huge amount of energy present from the sun Fuel does not cost anything to produce Does not pollute the atmosphere Cons Energy only available during the day High cost to build Need a large area to build
