Solar Energy for Power

Tim Hoesterey
FYS Chemistry and Your Future
Solar Energy is used to Generate Power

Today more and more people are becoming concerned with carbon dioxide emissions and pollution from burning coal or fossil fuels. So, many people are searching for alternative methods for producing energy. One method that is becoming more common is utilizing the sun’s energy, or solar energy. The sun produces many forms of energy directly and indirectly and some of the methods for using it include: hydroelectric power, wind power, biomass energy, and tidal and wave power. There is a lot of potential energy in solar power, but the percentage of energy generated from it is very small, but increasing. However, some forms of solar energy are not as “green” as they seem at first. Some of the methods still emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Potential Energy: energy that is waiting to be released.

Hydroelectric Power: the potential energy of evaporated water that can be used to generate power by turning turbines.

One reason that I find solar energy interesting is because I grew up near the Palm Springs windmills. I’ve driven by them hundreds of times. Also, I’ve always thought that solar panels are one of the best alternative fuels. I feel that once solar panels become cheaper more people will use them and that they will become a common thing.

Chemistry in Your Life: Second Edition. By: Colin Baird. Pg. 644-648