Solar Energy Flashcards
the energy coming from the sun
solar energy
plants directly use this energy for ___________________
photosynthesis
animals and humans use this energy by consuming plants and absorbing ______________
vitamin D
it is required when converting solar energy into electricity
solar collector
involves mirrors, lenses, and tracking system that focuses light into a receiver and generates heat
concentrated solar power
the heat in concentrated solar power is used to generate electricity to form ______________________
conventional steam-driven turbines
two kinds of solar collector
concentrated solar power and photovoltaic
refers to the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level
photovoltaic or solar cell
solar cell consists of semiconductor materials (usually silicon) made into thin sheets called ______________
wafer
wafers are treated to form an ______________
electric field
an electric field is _______ on one side and ___________ on the other
positive, negative
this refers to what the solar energy releases from the atoms of the semiconductor material when it is exposed to the sun
electrons
interconnected modules form an __________
array
advantages of solar energy
- electricity generated by solar cells can be stores in batteries that can be used anytime
- very efficient devices that require low power input (solar lanterns and solar-powered radios)
- useful in remote areas or disaster-stricken areas
- produces no water or air pollution or greenhouse gases
disadvantages of solar energy
- PV cells used in storing solar energy produces some toxic materials and chemicals
- affect ecosystems as it requires a large area for the solar panels
