6.8 Solar Energy

Describe the use of solar energy in power generation.

• Photovoltaic solar cells capture light energy from the sun and transform it directly into electrical energy. Their use is limited by the availability of sunlight.
• Active solar energy systems use solar energy to heat a liquid through mechanical and electric equipment to collect and store the energy captured from the sun.
• Passive solar energy systems absorb heat directly from the sun without the use of mechanical and electric equipment, and energy cannot be collected or stored.
• Enduring understanding ENG-3: Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences.

Describe the effects of the use of solar energy in power generation on the environment.

• Solar energy systems have low environmental impact and produce clean energy, but they can be expensive. Large solar energy farms may negatively impact desert ecosystems.
• Enduring understanding ENG-3: Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences.