HOW SOLAR ENERGY WORKS
Solar energy is generated during the day by the sun's powerful rays.
Photovoltaic solar panels, built from silicon, absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into energy
A control device converts the energy from direct current electricity to alternating current electricity, capable of powering electrical items
This electricity is added to the electricity grid which powers local homes and businesses
FUN SOLAR FACTS
- Solar energy can be used to heat water and power cars, aircrafts, calculators, and other small appliances. It can even be used to cook food!
- Solar energy is the Earth’s most available energy resource because it can be found anywhere the sun shines.
- It takes about 8 minutes for sunlight to travel from the sun to the earth, moving at 186,282 miles per second.
- The largest solar power plant in the world is located in California's Mojave Desert and is made up of over 930,000 mirrors that convert the sun's heat into electricity.
resource: http://www.greenmountain.com/resources/enviro-kids/renewable-energy-101/solar-energy
