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Solar Power

Solar power is the conversion of solar energy into electricity or thermal energy, either by indirectly using concentrated solar power or directly using photovoltaics – the use of solar panels which consist of various cells made of photovoltaic material.

3,946 Questions

How does solar energy effect the hydrosphere?

Solar energy can affect the hydrosphere by driving the water cycle, which includes evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. The heat from the sun causes water to evaporate from the surface of oceans, lakes, and rivers, leading to cloud formation and eventually precipitation. This cycle is crucial for maintaining the Earth's water supply and regulating global climate.

What is solar wind and what does it affect on earth?

Solar wind is a stream of charged particles (mostly electrons and protons) released from the upper atmosphere of the Sun. When solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field, it can cause phenomena such as auroras, disturbances in the ionosphere, and in extreme cases, geomagnetic storms that can disrupt communication systems and power grids.

Why is wind power solar power and geothermal power considered renewable?

Wind power, solar power, and geothermal power are considered renewable because they rely on naturally replenishing resources. Wind is generated by the sun heating the Earth's surface, creating air movement. Solar power directly harnesses sunlight, which is an inexhaustible energy source. Geothermal power taps into the heat stored in the Earth's core, which is continuously produced through the decay of radioactive materials. These sources do not deplete over time and can be used indefinitely without causing harm to the environment.

Is solar energy wind and geothermal inexhaustible resource?

Solar energy is considered an inexhaustible resource because it is derived from the sun, which is expected to last for billions of years. Wind energy is also considered an almost inexhaustible resource as long as the sun continues to shine, as wind is ultimately driven by solar radiation. Geothermal energy, while not inexhaustible on a human timescale, is considered a sustainable and renewable resource as the heat within the Earth will persist for millions of years.

Does solar power contribute to acid rain?

No, solar power does not contribute to acid rain. Acid rain is caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from burning fossil fuels like coal and oil. Solar power generates electricity by converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells, which does not produce emissions that contribute to acid rain.

What process changes solar energy into organic matter so that it can be cycled through a food chain?

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert solar energy into organic matter (sugars) using carbon dioxide and water. This organic matter serves as food for other organisms in the food chain, allowing the energy to be transferred and cycled through the ecosystem.

How are sustainable energy sources environmentally friendly?

Sustainable energy sources are renewable, like solar, wind, water, hydro, tidal and wave, geothermal, ocean thermal, biomass, biofuel and even hydrogen. They are environmentally friendly because, once installed, they emit no polluting carbon dioxide, which is causing global warming and climate change.

At at present most of the world's electricity comes from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas). This has to change.

What is land displacement?

Land displacement refers to the movement or shifting of land from its original position or location. This can be caused by natural events like earthquakes or landslides, or by human activities such as construction or mining operations. Land displacement can have various environmental and social impacts, including changes to ecosystems and potential threats to human settlements.

Does tilt affect the amount of solar energy earth receives?

No, the tilt of the earth doesn't affect the amount of solar energy received from the sun. It does mean that at different seasons, different parts of the earth will get more than others, but the overall amount remains the same.

How much land area would be covered by solar panels to replace Fukushima?

Fukushima generated 3,400 MW on average.

One of the world's largest solar power plants is Agua Caliente Solar Project, which generates 626 GW·h / yr = 71 MW on average.

So it would take 48 of the world's largest solar power plants to replace the Fukushima plant. Agua Caliente takes up 2,400 acres, so the total amount of land area required to replace Fukushima with solar panels is 2400*48 = 114,500 acres, which is about half the area of Hong Kong, or 132 times the area of the Fukushima plant.

Is solar power suitable in developing countries?

Yes, solar power is suitable for developing countries as it can provide access to electricity in remote areas that are not connected to the main power grid. It is also cost-effective in the long run due to the abundant sunlight in many developing regions. Additionally, solar power is environmentally friendly and helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of producing electricity by photoelectric cells?

Advantages: Photoelectric cells produce electricity without emissions, reducing environmental impact. They are also scalable and can be used in remote locations.

Disadvantages: They can be expensive to install initially and are dependent on sunlight, making them less reliable in areas with inconsistent sunlight. Additionally, the manufacturing process for photoelectric cells can have environmental impacts.

Are earthquakes driven by solar energy?

No, earthquakes are primarily caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. This movement can generate stress and build up energy until it is released in the form of an earthquake. Solar energy does not directly drive this tectonic movement.

What process is driven by earth's solar energy?

The process driven by Earth's solar energy is photosynthesis. This is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight into chemical energy in the form of glucose, which is used as fuel for the organism. Photosynthesis is vital for the production of oxygen and the overall balance of the Earth's atmosphere.

What percentage of Earth's energy comes from the sun?

More than 99%. Even the energy from fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) came originally from the sun. Goethermal energy (from heat under the ground) is the only non-solar energy on Earth.

What determines the amount of solar energy absorbed by the earth?

Every location on Earth receives sunlight at least part of the year. The amount of solar radiation that reaches any one "spot" on the Earth's surface varies according to these factors:
  • Geographic location
  • Time of day
  • Season
  • Local landscape
  • Local weather.
Diffuse and Direct Solar RadiationAs sunlight passes through the atmosphere, some of it is absorbed, scattered, and reflected by the following:
  • Air molecules
  • Water vapor
  • Clouds
  • Dust
  • Pollutants
  • Forest fires
  • Volcanoes.

This is called diffuse solar radiation. The solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface without being diffused is called direct beam solar radiation. The sum of the diffuse and direct solar radiation is called global solar radiation. Atmospheric conditions can reduce direct beam radiation by 10% on clear, dry days and by 100% during thick, cloudy days.

How does solar energy help your earth?

Solar energy helps Earth by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy independence, and supporting sustainable development. It is a renewable and clean energy source that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and mitigates the impacts of climate change.

What part of earth receives the most direct solar energy?

The equator receives the most direct solar energy on Earth because of its position in relation to the Sun. This area receives consistent overhead sunlight throughout the year, resulting in high temperatures and abundant solar radiation.

Why is solar energy the chief energy source on earth?

Solar energy is the chief energy source on Earth because the sun radiates an immense amount of energy that reaches the Earth's surface. This energy can be harnessed through solar panels to generate electricity, making solar power a sustainable and renewable energy source with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, advancements in technology have made solar energy more affordable and accessible for widespread use.

Is energy made by nature?

Yes, energy is made by nature through various natural processes such as sunlight (solar energy), wind (wind energy), water flow (hydro energy), and geothermal sources. These forms of energy are renewable and play a key role in sustaining life on Earth.

What organisms use solar energy to make energy?

Organisms like plants, algae, and some bacteria use solar energy in a process called photosynthesis to convert sunlight into chemical energy for growth and development. This energy is stored in the form of sugars and can be used by the organism to carry out various cellular processes.

What affects the amount of direct solar energy at different areas of the earth?

The amount of direct solar energy at different areas of the Earth is affected by factors such as the angle of incoming sunlight, atmospheric conditions like cloud cover and pollution, and the Earth's axial tilt. Areas closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight throughout the year, while areas closer to the poles receive less direct sunlight due to the tilt of the Earth's axis.

Is ultraviolet light transparent?

Yes, ultraviolet (UV) light is generally transparent to human eyes and is not visible to us like visible light. However, some materials such as certain plastics or specialized films can block or absorb UV light. UV light can also cause damage to our skin and eyes, so it's important to protect ourselves from excessive exposure.

How does solar energy trapped in the biosphere influence global climate?

Solar energy trapped in the biosphere through processes like photosynthesis contributes to the Earth's overall energy budget. This leads to the regulation of temperatures and influences climate patterns by affecting the distribution of heat and moisture in the atmosphere. The biosphere plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of greenhouse gases, which in turn impacts the Earth's climate system.