Solar Energy

Today, your goal is to take notes about PASSIVE and ACTIVE solar energy.  As you go, think carefully.  Tomorrow you will be bringing materials to class to build a solar device.  You will be able to either use a solar cell (you can get one at Walmart by disassembling one of the solar yard stakes for about $3)  to make a motor move or build a solar oven.  I will provide paint and glue.  YOU need to provide everything else.


ACTIVE SOLAR CELLS  
When you get done with this post, write a 2-4 sentence summary about what a solar cell is and does.


PASSIVE SOLAR

Solar Cooking

What would you use for a cover, a reflector, and insulation?  Work with one or two people to generate a list of solar oven materials you need,and read the following.


What happens when solar energy strikes an object?
Here are three possibilities: it may be transmitted through the object, the object may reflect the
solar energy, or the object may absorb it. Most objects do all three, but some are better at each
than others.
It is useful knowledge to understand how different materials transmit, reflect and absorb solar
radiation. For instance, in the case of a solar cell, it is important to coat the surface with a
material that is a poor reflector—we want as much light as possible to enter the cell.
Accordingly, creating comfortable, well-lit homes, schools, and offices requires an
understanding of which building materials transmit, reflect, and absorb solar radiation. (After
experiencing this lesson you may even begin to select the color and texture of new clothing
purchases depending on the strength of sunlight during the seasons!) For your solar cooker,
choosing materials based on their ability to transmit, reflect and absorb is important and may
make a big difference in your cooking success.

Did this reading change your ideas?

What properties of transmission, reflection, and absorption of light would you look for in the
materials used to build a solar cooker? (For example, should your cover be a better transmitter,
reflector or absorber?) Make a materials list for the three (3) parts of your solar cooker and
explain your reasons for choosing them.


Cover (Glazing)

Insulation

Reflector

Hand in your sheets from yesterday to Melissa.  See you Friday!