The Power of Sunshine
Solar Power
Sun's energy (solar energy) can be captured and used to power devices. Some of these devices are novel - advances occurring all the time.
What conditions make Aus ideal for greater application of solar power?
Country is about 3/4 of a mile from the surface of the sun lol
Captured using photovoltaic cells. Converts solar to electrical energy: electrical energy which can be used immediately or stored in batteries for later use.
Describe how solar panels work? May be too much depth? Could relate back to circuits lesson?
Solar = Renewable energy
Important to develop this technology to reduce our impact on the planet/non-renewables are running out.
Lots of cool advances being made in solar technology, from transport to powering cities and even purifying water!
Cool Uses of Solar Power
"Solar Impulse": Around the World Solar Plane
World Solar Race: Australia
Solar Harvesting Trees
Solar Purification of Water
Solar Roadways
Wearable solar cells
Supertree Grove: Gardens by the Bay, Singapore. Manmade mechanical trees that contain solar panels in the canopy. Also grow plants up the supertrees!
Long Answer Question
Extra for Experts
It's the year 2100. The Earth has run out of fossil fuels. You're a town planner. Create a plan for a community in Australia that only uses Solar Power. Think about transport, how you'll treat water, how you'll power homes/shared areas
Patches of flexible solar cells incorp into clothes
The Energy Kite: flying wind harvester
Wind power is another source of renewable energy and already provides electricity to many cities around the world. However, it is less reliable than solar due to the daily fluctuations in wind speeds on the surface of the earth. How would the Energy Kite overcome some of the current problems associated with regular wind harvesters?
click to edit