1. Solar energy is important because it provides heat, light, and power without pollution.
2. People have used solar energy for thousands of years, such as using magnifying glasses to start fires or building houses with windows facing south to capture sunlight.
3. The sun's energy comes from nuclear fusion, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing enormous amounts of energy.
4. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells made of silicon; when sunlight hits the panel, electrons are freed and flow through wires to create an electric current.
5. Solar energy can be stored in batteries for later use or converted into other forms of energy like heat.
6. Although solar energy is still relatively new and expensive, the sun gives off more energy every second than people have used since the beginning of time, making it a promising source for future power needs.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of the sun worksheet answer key.