What
Your Students Should Know About Solar Energy
According to the National Energy
Education Development Project (NEED), your students should know the following
upon high school graduation:
All students
should know:
1. Solar energy provides the
world—directly and indirectly—with almost all of its energy. As well as providing
the light and heat energy that sustain the world, solar energy is stored in fossil
fuels and biomass, and is responsible for hydropower and wind energy.
2. Radiant energy is produced
as a result of nuclear fusion in the sun’s core.
3. Solar energy is a renewable
energy source. Its potential as an energy source is vast.
4. Using solar energy produces
no air pollution.
5. Solar energy is abundant,
but it is diffuse and not available at all hours. It is not yet economical to
harness on a large scale to produce electricity.
6. Most of the solar energy we
use for heat and light cannot be measured. Harnessed solar energy provides a small
amount (0.1%) of the nation’s total energy consumption.
7. Photovoltaic cells convert
sunlight directly into electrical energy. Today, they are mainly used in remote
areas and for special applications.
8. Solar energy is used directly
to light and heat buildings and heat water.
9. Back-up energy systems are
usually needed when using solar energy.
Advanced
students also should know:
1. Photovoltaic–produced electricity
costs more than conventionally produced power; however, PV manufacturing costs
are decreasing and cell efficiencies are increasing.
2. Concentrating solar energy
and directing it toward a receiver can produce high temperatures capable of producing
electricity.
3. Using proven construction
techniques, solar heated and lighted buildings decrease the need for conventional
energy sources.
4. Solar resources are affected
by time of day, season, and location. Using solar energy for heating and lighting
is a feasible choice in many areas of the country with current technologies.
5. The environmental and economic
advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy.
6. How photovoltaic cells and
concentrated solar power systems transform sunlight into electricity.
7. How passive and active solar
systems operate.
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