Solar Energy and Natural Gas

1. Solar Energy and Natural Gas Kori Dawson

2. What is Solar Energy? • Solar energy is energy from the sun. • Photovoltaic (“PV”) or photoelectric cells convert the sun’s light into energy. • People are able to use solar water heating. Where the heat from the sun is used to heat water in glass panels on your roof. • People also use solar furnaces. They are huge mirrors to concentrate the sun’s energy into small space and produce high temperatures

3. Solar energy is free; it produces no fuel and produces no waste or pollution It is good use if you can’t get electricity to a remote area It is a renewable source Makes no noise Very little work Doesn’t work at night Very expensive to build solar power stations, though they are getting cheaper as technology improves Can be unreliable unless you’re in a very sunny climate AdvantagesDisadvantages

4. Natural Gas • Natural gas is a fossil fuel • Natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons- mostly methane (CH4) • It also contains other gases like nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and water vapor. • It is excellent for spark-ignited internal combustion engines • It is no threat to soil, surface water and ground water • You can get it from gas and oil wells

5. Nearly 87% of U.S natural gas is domestically produced. 60-90% less smog producing pollutants 30-40% less greenhouse gas emission Less expensive than gasoline Limited vehicle ability Fewer miles on a tank of fuel Less readily available than gasoline and diesel Advantages Disadvantages