How is solar energy made?

Question

science project and i need help.

Answer 1

any form of energy radiated by the sun, including light, radio waves, and X rays, although the term usually refers to the visible light of the sun. Solar energy is needed by green plants for the process of photosynthesis, which is the ultimate source of all food. The energy in fossil fuels (e.g., coal and oil) and other organic fuels (e.g., wood) is derived from solar energy. Difficulties with these fuels have led to the invention of devices that directly convert solar energy into usable forms of energy, such as electricity. Solar batteries, which operate on the principle that light falling on photosensitive substances causes a flow of electricity, play an important part in space satellites and, as they become more efficient, are finding increasing use on the earth (see solar cell). Thermoelectric generators convert the heat generated by solar energy directly into electricity

Answer 2

There are two basic methods.

The first is simply to use the sun to heat water.  In the simplest systems, this can be sued to provide hot water for a home--or even to store the water (heated--which can then be circulated through pipes at night to heat a home.  The US Air Force used such solar water heating systems on isolated bases in the Pacific as far back as the Korean war (I know--my parents were stationed on one).

More sophisticated versions use parabolic mirrors to heat the water to much higher temperatures, producing steam--which can then be used to drive a generator, providing electricity.

The second method is the "solar cell" or photoelectric cell.  The physics of this are a bit complicated, but essentially it is composed of a light-sensative material that uses the suns energy to set up an electrical potential within the "cell" thus generating an electric current.  A solar array or solar panel is simply a number of these cells connected together.  Sunlight  has a potential energy of about 1.4 kilowatts per square meter--but solar cells can only convert part of that to electricity.  Commercial solar panels usually  run at around 10% efficiency--or about 140 watts per square meter.

The enetricity generating systems are a bit more complicated--you have to have a regulator and other safeguards and control devices to make sure the right voltage is fed into a home, business, etc.  In addition, in some places (California, mainly) if a home has solar panels that generate excess electricity part of the time, the systems can actually feed that power back into the utility's pwer system.  Special meters are used that will then take that power ff your meter, reducing your electric bill.

Hope that helps. :)

Answer 3

very carefully

Answer 4

Basically a you get a semiconductor material (like silicon) which releases electrons when a photon hits it.  Then you create a circuit for the electrons to travel around.  Electrons in motion form an electrical current, which is how we get electricity.

See the links below for further explanation.

Answer 5

mostly by nuclear synthesis of helium.. or what do you mean?

Answer 6

from a light source (like the sun) traveling through solar panels.

Answer 7

from the sun....solar means sun