Solar Power: When & Where Is Best?
A NASA image of the Earth's surface temperatures ranging from blue (really cold) to orange/red (warm). The temperatures are related to how much solar energy is received.Copyright 1998 NASA
Students learn about solar energy and how to calculate the amount of solar energy available at a given location and time of day on Earth. The importance of determining incoming solar energy for solar devices is discussed.
As the market for solar power technologies grows, determining the amount solar energy available at a given location is important for maximizing energy efficiency of solar technologies and determining if solar power is even a possibility for a specific region. Engineers must understand the basics of solar energy and the Earth in order to incorporate solar energy into their designs.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe solar energy and why it changes with time and location.
- Calculate the amount of solar energy on Earth at a given time and location.
- Explain how solar energy is used in sustainable engineering applications.
- Explain why solar energy is becoming more prevalent.