Solar+Energy+(Chelsea+Myles)


 * Solar Energy **
 * By Chelsea Myles **
 * This is a solar panel that converts light into energy. Solar panels are very useful in creating electricity in remote parts of the world. By installing solar panels, people are able to reduce the cost of electricity bills which may help against global warming ("Pros And Cons,"). **

 Solar Energy is energy derived directly from the sun. Solar energy can be classified into two categories: indirect and direct energy. Most of the energy in the world is indirect energy. Indirect energy is found in coal, oil and natural gases through photosynthesizing plants millions of years ago. The evaporation of water and wind movements is also powered by indirect solar energy. Indirect solar energy is also found in wood and food supplies from the sun. Direct solar energy is most commonly understood by most people. It is the form of energy used with heating and electricity. ("Direct Solar Energy-Glossary,"). Energy from the sun is converted into electric energy when solar cells turn the energy into electricity ("Energy Jargon," 2007). Solar energy is powered by ultra-violet radiation, visible radiation and infrared radiation. It is commonly referred to solar radiation and short-wave radiation ("Glossary of Climate,").
 * What is it? **

 Solar energy is trying to address the issues of global warming with greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases have a negative impact on humans/animals and create pollutants in the environment. In contrast, solar energy is a widely available alternative energy source with greater benefits. It is an abundant resource that is useful in fuel, electricity and heat energy ("Solar Energy Conversion," 2007). 
 * What problem is it trying to address? **

media type="youtube" key="ER-2dqd1h3I" height="344" width="425"**This video explains why we need solar energy in the world. The video tells us that sun energy will help combat the effect of greenhouse gases, and it will halt the use of fossil fuels. The video gives examples of people who have created devices in the past that could benefit people around the world.**


 * When is it useful? **

Solar Energy is useful at all times because the sun is a reliable energy source that never runs out of power (R, 2009). However, it is limited only when the sun is shining during the daytime because solar energy is not available on cloudy days or at night time ("Chapter 15: Solar Energy,”). Currently, solar energy is being used on the rooftops of many homes and is widely used in solar panels.


 * How does the topic relate to one or more of the nutrient cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, water) discussed in class? Explain. **

Solar energy is a key player in the carbon cycle because it helps stabilize the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Plants receive energy from the sun for growing and for photosynthesis. These plants can then give their carbon to the atmosphere when they decompose. Also, solar energy relates to the water cycle because it is involved in evaporating water from the liquid stage to gaseous stage through heat.

 Solar power is a viable solution to protect the biosphere because it supports life on earth. It gives food to plants and it creates warmth for all life. Solar energy is clean and does not release harmful pollutants that may harm plant and animal life on earth. There are no types of radioactive wastes involved and it does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog. Solar energy has low maintenance and does not release bad odors ("Pros And Cons,"). This relates to wind energy because both are renewable energy sources that will last for future generations. They are reliable and they both help to fight global warming Wind Energy (Kevin Vargo).
 * Is it a viable solution to protect the biosphere? Explain. **


 * What are the possible consequences to the environment? **

There are many good and bad consequences that solar energy has. The pros include the fact that solar energy has no pollution, produces electricity quietly, gathers energy in remote areas, uses solar panels on rooftops and does not depend on fossil fuels. The cons include that solar cells are expensive and solar energy is only produced during the daytime. Because the pros outweigh the cons, solar energy has better consequences on the environment ("Pros And Cons,”).

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(2007). //Energy Jargon//. Retrieved from [] (2007, March 12). //Solar Energy Conversion Offers A Solution To Help Mitigate Global Warming//. Retrieved from [] //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter 15: Solar Energy //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">. Retrieved from [] //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Direct Solar Energy-Glossary //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">. Retrieved from [] //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Glossary of Climate Change Terms //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">. Retrieved from [] //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">. Retrieved from [] R, J. (2009). //10 Benefits of Solar Energy//. Retrieved from []
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Works Cited **