Solar Panel Technology...So Hot Right Now

Grades 3-5Science

Oct 12

Written By Meera Bhakta- CuriouSTEM Staff

Energy. It is found in everything and cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore, we rely on many different sources to get our energy. For our bodies, we have food. However, for other materials like cars, energy from non-renewable fossil fuels is traditionally used. However, fossil fuels have shown to cause severe air pollution, so in the past few decades, society has looked for renewable, healthier forms of energy. One of the most effective solutions has been solar power.

A major difference between these forms of energy is that non-renewable energy (like fossil fuels) will eventually run out. This is unsustainable! Although eventually they will be regenerated, they are not produced as fast as humans are using them! However, we are lucky to have plenty of renewable energy forms that are constantly replenished to counteract the other harmful energy forms.

Solar energy in particular comes from the sun. The sun has been a constant form of life and energy on Earth since the beginning of time! It is well known for giving plants the ability to perform photosynthesis and get energy, but recently, it has been harvested for electricity!

Discovered in 1839, but much more recently popularized, solar power is made up of photovoltaic cells which refers to light and electricity cells. It is when these cells are combined that solar panels are created! Traditionally, people put them on houses or cars to power automobiles, telephones, or TVs. However, they can be used as energy for ultimately anything needing electricity! You may not know this, but some special planes and satellites also use solar power. One of the most common things that we use during school is calculators which are now almost always powered by solar energy instead of a battery.

A huge benefit of solar energy is the environmental impact. With it, we can constantly prevent further pollution of the atmosphere, and we can work to reduce global warming: saving arctic plants and animals!

So, with all these benefits about solar energy, what is not to love? Now, next time someone asks you what your favorite car is, tell them all about a solar-powered car. You can help the earth by saving the environment and help your wallet by saving on gas!