Comprehending Science & Technology, 1st Period - Monday
"Okay, there was apparently a camping trip or something this past weekend." And a holiday, but that was less important to Tony. For reasons. "Which is interesting. If you like bugs and sleeping on a rock."
Hank.
"But it got me thinking, so today we'll be learning about how solar power works. It's pretty easy, we've been using this method to power satellites since back in the 50's. More or less."
And yet still not commonly used for most power usage. Huh.
"What we have are flat panels covered with photovoltaic cells. These are usually made up of silicon since the material functions as a semi-conductor for solar energy. When the sunlight hits these panels, rays make the electrons in the cells move. An electric field is then used to force that movement into a uniform flow of an electric current. We can syphon that off to supply power to batteries or an electronic device. Clean and efficient. Of course, the downsides include cloudy days when there isn't enough sun to get the electrons moving. It's best in sunny places. Not so much Seattle."
Poor, depressing Seattle.
"Okay," Tony said, clapping his hands together. "I brought in some small panels in case you wanted to give this a try. Might be able to charge your phone with it."
Maybe.
Hank.
"But it got me thinking, so today we'll be learning about how solar power works. It's pretty easy, we've been using this method to power satellites since back in the 50's. More or less."
And yet still not commonly used for most power usage. Huh.
"What we have are flat panels covered with photovoltaic cells. These are usually made up of silicon since the material functions as a semi-conductor for solar energy. When the sunlight hits these panels, rays make the electrons in the cells move. An electric field is then used to force that movement into a uniform flow of an electric current. We can syphon that off to supply power to batteries or an electronic device. Clean and efficient. Of course, the downsides include cloudy days when there isn't enough sun to get the electrons moving. It's best in sunny places. Not so much Seattle."
Poor, depressing Seattle.
"Okay," Tony said, clapping his hands together. "I brought in some small panels in case you wanted to give this a try. Might be able to charge your phone with it."
Maybe.