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Solar Power. Period 1 Jason Hong Iris La Mabel Chan. Source. SUN. 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.
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Solar Power Period 1 Jason Hong Iris La Mabel Chan
Source SUN
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
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
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
Consumption/Usage • Provides less than 1% of U.S. needs • Provides less than 1% of worldwide energy consumption historically and in the foreseeable future
Disadvantages • Not usable during stormy weather or night time • Not efficient in areas with little sunlight • Initial costs are very expensive
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
Advantages • Makes no noise • Very little maintenance to keep running; no moving parts • Money evens out in the long run
Advantages • Technology is improving consistently • Easy to install; no cords or power sources • Safe for animals
Advantages • Completely renewable • Energy can be stored in batteries and used whenever • Absolutely no pollution