Solar energy

What is infrared

The radiation felt/heat

What is visible light

Radiation we see

What is ultraviolet

The radiation we don’t see/feel/sunburns

What is active solar energy

Conversion of radiant energy to electrical energy through harnessing of solar energy

Examples of active solar energy

Solar electric and solar thermal

What are photovoltaic cells

Made up of two semiconductors, the p-type and the n-type silicon

The n-type silicon

Phosphorus is bound to 4 silicones (8 silicones in total) with a mobile electron

The p-type silicon

Boron is bound to 3 silicones (8 in total) with a hole (3 valence electrons instead of 4)

How is the cell formed

The n-type sits on top of the p-type with an electrode on either end that are connected by a wire

How does the cell work

Light hits the cell and excites the electrons in the n-type, moving them to the p-type and pairing up with the holes

What are perovskites

Semiconductor crystals that absorb higher energy photons

What are quantum dots

Semiconductor nanocrystals which creates more electron-hole pairsw

What is concentrated solar power

Conversion of light to electricity through heating fluids to high temperatures

Examples of CSP

solar towers, parabolic troughs, solar dishes, and linear collectors

How does a solar tower work

Mirrors reflect sunlight to a receiver to melt salts that are moved through water to generate steam which turns a turbine to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy with a generator

Cons of solar energy

Fossil fuels are used for creation, research, and transport, loss of land and ecosystems, avian mortality