Solar Energy vs. Wind Energy

Solar Energy vs. Wind Energy By: Rachel Beres & Kathleen Gallagher

outline • How solar energy works • How wind energy works • Comparing solar and wind energy • Advantages • Disadvantages • 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 silicon • Si2 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 energyWorks • 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 Footprint According to www.eiolca.org Solar 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 CO2equivalent Wind Power • Turbine 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 Cited http://www.eiolca.net/cgi-bin/dft/use.pl http://www.enf.cn/database/panels-usa.html http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Benefits-of-Solar Energy&id=2154024 http://www.nextag.com/solar-panel/stores-html http://www.solarhome.org/infohowdosolarpanelswork.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell#Lifespan http://www.wksolargroup.com/ http://www.awea.org/faq/wwt_basics.html#top http://www.technologystudent.com/energy1/wind8.htm Pictures http://www.environment- green.com/images/solar_panels_green_grass.jpg http://www.awea.org/faq/wwt_basics.html#top

Solar Energy vs. Wind Energy