We’re here to make understanding solar simple. With renewable energy becoming so popular in today’s world, it’s important to understand how solar works since it is the future. Here is a simple explanation of how solar power works.
Where Does Solar Energy Begin?
Solar energy starts with the sun. The sun has been producing energy for the Earth for billions of years. According to energy.gov, “The amount of sunlight that strikes the earth’s surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world’s energy consumption for a full year.” The sun is abundant and has been used for energy for as long as it’s been around! Think about plants. The sun gives energy to the plants so they are able to grow and create chemical energy released into the air. The solar process is so similar to this! Energy from the sun is harnessed and transformed into electrical energy through solar panels and inverters that can be used to power your home.
Relation to a Classroom Experiment
The sun is so powerful! Harnessing the power of the sun is easier than most people think. Try an experiment to prove the power that the sun holds. This experiment is great for kids of all ages, and super easy to do at home. All you need is two ice cubes and a sunny day. Follow the steps below to show the power of the sun!
- Place one of the ice cubes in direct sunlight and the other ice cube in a shady spot.
- Take notice of which ice cube is melting faster!
- As the ice cube turns into a puddle in the sunlight, explain how the sun’s energy speeds up the melting process.
Both ice cubes end up melting, but the process is quicker when the ice is in direct sun. Relate this back to solar: more energy is produced on sunny days than on cloudy days!
Education is Everything
Understanding this simple explanation of how solar power works will allow you to educate others. This is important because the future is green energy, and teaching this to children specifically is the next step in the progression of technology.
Solar is much more simple than you may think and is important to understand. Simple analogies and activities can be helpful in explaining solar and making people aware of how it works. Learn more about the details of how solar power works!
