Listen & Learn: Solar Panels

Learn how the sun creates electricity

• convert: to change one thing into something else
• conductive: allowing electricity to flow through it
• current: a flow of electricity
• electron: a particle with a negative electrical charge
• practical: useful in regular life
• renewable: able to be used again; never running out
• bill: an amount of money that a company charges for a service

Listening activity

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Gapfill exercise

A solar panel converts sunlight into . It is made up of parts called solar cells, which use semi-conductive materials to create electrical currents. This happens through a process called the photovoltaic effect. When light hits a semi-conductive material, like silicon, it causes electrons to jump around. The of the electrons creates a current. The first solar cells were invented in 1954. However, early solar panels were not very practical. They were to build, and they only converted a small percentage of sunlight into power. Today, solar panels are cheaper and more effective. A solar panel is an example of renewable energy. Solar energy is collected at solar , which use large arrays of panels. Some homeowners also use solar panels on their roofs to save on electricity bills and protect the . Researchers have even suggested using solar panels from space to power the Earth.

Comprehension questions

See answers below

1. Solar cells use materials, like silicon, that are
   a. conductive
   b. semi-conductive
   c. insulating
   
2. The effect that converts sunlight into electricity is called the
   a. photographic effect
   b. photosynthetic effect
   c. photovoltaic effect
   
3. Solar power is an example of
   a. wasteful energy
   b. nuclear energy
   c. renewable energy

Discussion/essay questions

1. Would you ever consider using solar panels? Why or why not?
2. Using renewable energy sources is one good way to fight climate change. What are some other ways? What actions do you think individuals should take? What actions do you think governments and companies should take?

Transcript

A solar panel converts sunlight into energy. It is made up of parts called solar cells, which use semi-conductive materials to create electrical currents. This happens through a process called the photovoltaic effect. When light hits a semi-conductive material, like silicon, it causes electrons to jump around. The movement of the electrons creates a current. The first solar cells were invented in 1954. However, early solar panels were not very practical. They were expensive to build, and they only converted a small percentage of sunlight into power. Today, solar panels are cheaper and more effective. A solar panel is an example of renewable energy. Solar energy is collected at solar farms, which use large arrays of panels. Some homeowners also use solar panels on their roofs to save on electricity bills and protect the environment. Researchers have even suggested using solar panels from space to power the Earth.

Answers to comprehension questions

1b 2c 3c