SOLAR ENERGY VS. WIND

ENERGYBy: Rachel Beres &

Kathleen Gallagher

OUTLINE How solar energy works How wind energy works Comparing solar and wind energy

AdvantagesDisadvantages

Carbon footprint (EIO-LCA) Which is more green?

SOLAR ENERGY:THE CHEMISTRY INVOLVED the main element is silicon Silicon, Si, has 4 outer electrons

Can accept 4 more electrons from another element

Si can combine with more Si and create a stable, pure crystalline siliconSi2 is a poor conductor, thus useless in

creating solar power

SOLAR ENERGY:THE CHEMISTRY INVOLVED, CONT. Phosphorus has 5 outer electrons

Combined with Si, makes SiP- With 8 outer electrons and an extra electron

from the phosphorus Boron has only 3 outer electrons

Combined with Si, makes SiB+ With only 7 outer electrons

HOW SOLAR ENERGY WORKS The panel is made of both SiP- and SiB+ and

protected under a sheet of glass Photons then hit the panel The extra electron from SiP- transfers to SiB+ Causing electricity to be

formed

HOW WIND ENERGY WORKS Air moves the turbines to create kinetic

energy which is converted to mechanical and electrical energy.

Turbine systems include: a rotor, blades, an enclosure holding a drive train, gearbox and generator, a tower, and electronic controls.

SIZING AND PERFORMANCE Size:

rotor diameters: 50 m to 90 mtowers are roughly the same size

The amount of electricity generated depends on the turbine’s size and speed through the rotor.Power ratings: 250 watts to 5 MW

Performance is determined by wind speed.A site’s wind speed is measured through wind resource assessment prior to construction.Small wind electric turbines: 9 mph on averageutility-scale power plants:13 mph

THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR ENERGY Solar energy is consistent. The sun will

always be there. Solar panels release no emissions Little to no maintenance required to

operate The only renewable source that makes

no noise It can pay for itself

Cost can range from $100 to $10,000 depending on amount of panels purchased

Usually allow for a tax credit

BENEFITS OF WIND ENERGY Wind is free Wind does not generate green house

gases Does not take up a lot of space Remote areas can produce their own

electricity Come in various sizes, so they can be

used at various sizes of needs

DISADVANTAGES OF WIND POWER Strength of wind is varies and the

amount of electricity produced is varied. Make as much noise as a car traveling

at 70 mph. Some people do not find them

aesthetically pleasing. Some pollution is produced from the

manufacturing process Need a lot of wind turbines to support

many homes

CARBON FOOTPRINTAccording to www.eiolca.orgSolar Power

As a semiconductor machinery manufacturing

$500 solar panel – 0.242 MT of CO2 equivalent

$1000 solar panel – 0.483 MT of CO2 equivalent

$5000 solar panel – 2.42 MT of CO2 equivalent

Wind PowerTurbine and Turbine Generator

$1.2 million – 477 MT of CO2 equivalent$2.6 million – 1030 MT of CO2 equivalent

WHICH IS MORE GREEN? Both produce no emissions when being used Both produce emissions when being

manufactured. Solar has no noise, where wind makes noise

of a 70 mph car. Solar is more pleasant to look at. Solar energy is more consistent than wind

energy. Solar energy is more efficient

Solar: 14MW to 20 MW Wind: 250 watts to 5 MW

CONCLUSION Solar energy would be the most

beneficial of solar and wind energy. Wind energy is useful in remote areas. Solar energy is useful in all areas,

though.

WORKS CITEDhttp://www.eiolca.net/cgi-bin/dft/use.plhttp://www.enf.cn/database/panels-usa.htmlhttp://ezinearticles.com/?10-Benefits-of-Solar Energy&id=2154024http://www.nextag.com/solar-panel/stores-htmlhttp://www.solarhome.org/infohowdosolarpanelswork.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell#Lifespanhttp://www.wksolargroup.com/http://www.awea.org/faq/wwt_basics.html#tophttp://www.technologystudent.com/energy1/wind8.htm

Pictureshttp://www.environment- green.com/images/solar_panels_green_grass.jpg http://www.awea.org/faq/wwt_basics.html#top