Description of solar power and the several types.

1. SOLAR POWER!!!!!

2. HISTORY
 Since the Industrial Revolution in the 19th
century the United States has released
harmful greenhouse gases and toxic fuel
emissions into the air.
 Department of Energy created in Carter
Administration with a national energy
program.
 National Conservation Policy Act in 1978 set
standards and offered financing for
conservation in buildings.

3. WHAT IS IT?
 Solar power allows us to harnesses the
energy from the sun and use it to power and
heat homes.

4.  Three types of solar energy: photovoltaic
(PV), concentrating solar power (CSP),
thermal power
 Most of the sun’s energy is gathered during
the day
 Solar energy is most ideal for heating homes
and water.
 Solar energy is clean and renewable

5. EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
 The burning of fossil fuels from power plants
pollutes the air we breathe.
 Contributes to the growing global warming
problem
 Over half of the fossil fuels are imported in
America
 An avg. American carbon
dioxide footprint is around
36,000 pounds per year

6. http://youtu.be/T1HmY_ImHAg

7. BENEFITS
 Sun provides us with enough energy on the
earth’s surface to supply us with about 1000
Watts/sq meter.
 Solar panels easy to install on top of rooftops of
homes and buildings, allowing them to function
independently.
 Solar energy can be stored and used on cloudy
days.
 By 2020, if the growth of the PV industry
increases, over 150,000 jobs will be created in
renewable energy.

8. COSTS
 Solar power is being produced during the
day when electricity costs are the highest.
 Start out with a solar power water
heater at $2,000 to $3,000 and
your overall electric bill will drop
by 18% to 30%
 Government and local tax breaks,
subsidies and refunds offer you up to 50% of
your initial cost back.

10. WORKS CITED
 "Energy." West's Encyclopedia of American
Law. Ed. Shirelle Phelps and Jeffrey
Lehman. 2nd ed. Vol. 4. Detroit: Gale, 2005.
143-144. Gale Virtual Reference Library.
Web. 30 Apr. 2012.
 "Growth in Renewable Energy." MCT Photos.
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services,
2010. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context.
Web. 30 Apr. 2012.

11.  Hamer, Glenn. "Solar Power Can Help Fuel
the Future." Energy Alternatives. Ed. Barbara
Passero. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006.
Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Solar
Power 2002." World & I 17 (June 2002). Gale
Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 30
Apr. 2012.