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Understanding Solar Power: Costs, Efficiency, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Solar power is a renewable energy source that offers a unique set of advantages and challenges. Currently, costs are significantly higher than hydrocarbon fuels, with average installation costs around $95 per square foot and $8.95 per watt. Although solar panels convert only 15% of sunlight into energy and have high initial costs (around $45,000 for a 5-KW system), they require minimal maintenance and produce no pollution. However, they are inefficient under certain conditions and can pose disposal issues. As technology advances, solar power may become more viable for meeting energy needs.

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Understanding Solar Power: Costs, Efficiency, Advantages, and Disadvantages

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  1. Solar Power Period 1 Jason Hong Iris La Mabel Chan

  2. Source SUN

  3. Cost • Costs significantly higher than hydrocarbon fuels to generate electricity • Avg. system cost: $95 per square foot • Avg. solar panel output: 10.6 watts per square foot • Avg. solar energy system costs: $8.95 perr watt

  4. Equipment • Solar panels; photons in suns rays strike the electrons so they are free to carry an electrical charge • Semi-conductive materials (mostly silicon) are used

  5. Efficiency • 15% of sun’s energy is converted into the sun • Initial costs are high (5-KW system costs $45,000) • Not very efficient now, but technology will improve in the future

  6. Consumption/Usage • Provides less than 1% of U.S. needs • Provides less than 1% of worldwide energy consumption historically and in the foreseeable future

  7. Disadvantages • Not usable during stormy weather or night time • Not efficient in areas with little sunlight • Initial costs are very expensive

  8. Disadvantages • Always need to be facing the sun without blockage; hard to get sunlight in the valley • Improper disposal can pollute the environment; solar panels contain toxic materials like lead and sulfur

  9. Advantages • Makes no noise • Very little maintenance to keep running; no moving parts • Money evens out in the long run

  10. Advantages • Technology is improving consistently • Easy to install; no cords or power sources • Safe for animals

  11. Advantages • Completely renewable • Energy can be stored in batteries and used whenever • Absolutely no pollution

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