Get Your Kid Excited about this Booming Industry

A simple guide to help your kids understand solar energy.

How does the sun, way out in space, power things here on Earth? The amazing secret behind it is called solar energy! It’s like the sun has a giant invisible power beam that we can use to power homes, schools, cars, and basically anything needing electricity. Let’s dive into the mysteries of this incredible energy source!

A Supercharged Energy Ball

Think of the sun as a giant, glowing ball of energy! Inside its core, incredible reactions happen – tiny pieces of matter called atoms smash together and release energy. This energy travels through space until it reaches the Earth in the form of sunlight. The distance is so long that even at the incredibly fast speed of light, its takes about 8 minutes!

Inside the Solar Panel:

Solar panels are designed to capture the suns energy. Each solar panel is made up of numerous solar cells, the powerhouse of the solar panel. A solar cell contains layers of silicon, which has a unique ability. When photons hit the silicon, they knock loose electrons (tiny, negatively charged particles) within the material. These free electrons start flowing, creating an electric current, just like the current that powers electric cars, houses, or electronic devices!

But How Does This Current Power Our Homes?

The current generated by individual solar cells is weak. That’s why solar panels have multiple connected cells to increase the overall power output. This electricity then travels through wires to an inverter. This device converts the direct current (DC) from the solar panels into alternating current (AC), the type of electricity used in our homes and appliances.

Storing Sunshine for Later:

But what happens on cloudy days or at night, when the sun isn’t shining? This is where batteries come in! Most solar panel systems include batteries that can store excess electricity generated during sunny days. Stored energy can then be used to power your home on cloudy days.

Benefits of Solar Power:

Using solar energy brightens up our future:

• Clean and sustainable: Unlike burning fossil fuels, solar energy doesn’t produce harmful emissions, making it clean and eco-friendly!
• Renewable: The sun will keep shining for billions of years, making solar energy a renewable resource!
• Reduces reliance on fossil fuels: By using solar power, we can decrease our dependence on traditional energy sources like coal and oil.
• Cost-effective: While the initial installation cost of solar panels might be higher, the long-term savings on electricity bills and the benefits to the environment can make it a valuable investment.

Exploring Solar Energy Together:

Getting kids into solar is invaluable to the future of our planet. Having environmental responsibility is important but equally amazing is this growing industry will provide jobs for years to come. It is a great topic to be knowledgeable about from a young age. Here are a few ways to spark an interest in solar:

• Build a solar oven: Use simple materials like cardboard, aluminum foil, and a pizza box to create a mini solar oven and experiment with cooking food using the sun’s heat!
• Visit a solar farm: Many communities have solar farms where you can see large-scale solar panels in action and learn more about the technology firsthand.
• Solar Car kit: 

Additional Resources:

• National Renewable Energy Laboratory: https://www.nrel.gov/
• Solar Energy Industries Association: https://www.seia.org/
• Department of Energy: https://www.energy.gov/solar

This blog post is just the beginning! With a little curiosity and exploration, you and your child can become shining experts of solar energy and responsible energy use!