Introduction
We have access to a very long lasting source of power – the sun. Today I will tell you about solar energy, solar panels, and how I’m trying to bring solar energy to community parks so more people can spend time there, even parents!
Solar Energy
“Why are we always talking about Solar energy? Because it’s such a hot topic — Enoch Wang”
Solar power is energy from the sun that is turned into thermal or electrical energy. Solar energy is the cleanest renewable energy source available! Solar technologies can use this energy for a lot of things, like making electricity, providing light or for a comfortable living space.
During the day, the cells on solar panels absorb energy from the sunlight. Circuits inside the cells collect that energy and turn it into direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity is passed through something called an inverter to turn it into the alternating current (AC) electricity. You can use this electricity in your home, store it with a solar battery, or send it back to the grid.
Facts
I’ve discovered that solar energy is…
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- Solar energy is the biggest source of energy on Earth.
- It is a renewable energy source and it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- About 173,000 terawatts of solar energy strike the Earth at any given time – more than 10,000 times the world’s total energy needs!
- Resource Links: EnergySage.com | Sunpower.com |
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Empathize
Covid-19 changed everything. I couldn’t go to school and had to learn from home for many months. It was really hard. I couldn’t go to indoor public spaces like the museum, bookstore, rock climbing gym, swimming pool, or visit with family and friends. I had to find other things to do. I know I’m very lucky to have a big home and a big yard. I’m lucky to have toys and sports equipment to play with. In the winter, my dad built an ice rink in our backyard and we skated a lot. We have a trailer and a tent and we go camping in the summer. We will also have an inground pool in our backyard this summer!
A positive for me in all this is that it has made more family time and more outdoor time possible, and that has been great! I know there are families that are less fortunate than us. Maybe the kids have to share a chromebook for school. Maybe the parents lost their jobs and food is hard to buy. Maybe they have to get support from a food bank. Some families might have a harder time finding things to do and may not have toys to play with or even spaces to play in. That’s why parks are so much more important. Parks are for everyone. I’m trying to bring solar energy to community parks so more people can spend time there, even parents!
Ideate
For my project, I have chosen to put solar powered charging stations in the parks. They will have solar powered lights that light up at night and optional solar powered fans for hot days and or nights. They will also have cool designs and colours.