David Hurtado installed 29 SunPower panels on the roof of his home. Solar power will offset about two-thirds of the family’s electricity usage and prevent 9.5 tons of CO2 emissions annually. This is equivalent to taking two cars off the road.
Her daughter was so excited about the new solar panels in her home that she started talking to her teacher about solar energy. We were invited to give a presentation on the science of solar power to third graders at Mott Elementary School in Pflugerville.
Our project manager Ryan Albert shared some fun solar facts and demonstrated a Solar Rover, which impressed the kids!
Ryan asked his students what they knew about energy sources. The most popular answers were solar and wind power (although they are not the most widespread energy sources). Many students were able to recall kinetic energy and hydroelectric power from an experiment in which they used a hand crank for a light bulb.
The students were curious about electricity.
All of the questions were insightful and interesting. Here are some of the questions that the future leaders asked.
How is a solar panel made?
In factories, solar panels are manufactured using a complicated process that involves many materials and steps. The silicon is the basis for a cell. In nature, silicon is found in the form of crystalline quartz sand. Solar panels are made of sand.
How does sand become a solar panel?
The sand can be purified by a particular heater which separates silicon from the other elements. The silicon wafers are sliced thin, coated with an anti-reflective coating, and layered with metal for electrical conductivity. They are assembled into a frame with 60 to 72 cells per frame ( Learn more).
How does it make electricity?
The photons are excited by the sunlight and dance around the silicon atoms. This causes the electrons to shake loose from the bit and create electricity. ( Learn more).
DO SOLAR PANELS STILL MAKE POWER EVEN IF IT’S NOT SUNNY?
Solar panels still produce electricity when it is cloudy or raining, but the amount will be less than in full sun.
Does it work at night?
You can charge batteries with solar power during the day and then use the battery power when the sun sets. Wind farms are located in West Texas, where the wind blows the strongest at night. The electricity is carried to us by wires.
Can the moon or stars make electricity?
The reflected light from the moon would not be enough to power solar panels, nor are the stars too far to provide us with power.
Is solar energy found in other parts of the universe?
Solar power can be generated on other planets as the sun reaches them. For example, the rovers on Mars are powered by solar energy ( Learn more).
How do the rovers on Mars not get damaged by storms?
The rovers have been built using very durable and robust materials, but storms on Mars are fierce. A giant dust storm on Mars prevented Opportunity Mars from being able to communicate with us this summer. NASA scientists hope the rover can come online once the storm has cleared ( Learn more).
Can lightning power a rover?
No, not with the technology of today. Lightning is too fast and powerful to power a PV panel. But maybe one day, we will be able to harness lightning to generate energy.
Can friction create energy?
More electricity is needed to meet our needs.
Is Electricity a SOLID LIQUID OR GAS?
The movement of electrons is what makes electricity. It is not a material state ( read more). It’s actually more like a wave, such as radio waves or light.
We enjoy engaging with children about energy and science and are grateful to Hurtado and Mott teachers for allowing us to contribute to your children’s education!