1.3.8

Solar Energy

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Solar Energy

The electromagnetic waves emitted by the sun (e.g light), transfer energy to the earth. Solar cells absorb these waves and create an electric current without a generator. Some solar cells use heat from the sun to boil water, create steam and rotate a turbine, which turns a generator.

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Advantages

  • Renewable.
  • Produces no greenhouse gases.
  • Produces no noise pollution.
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Disadvantages

  • Only produces electricity when there is sunlight.
  • High cost of installation.
  • Solar cells are currently not very efficient at converting sunlight into energy.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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