Curated OER
Solar History
Using the sun's light as a source of energy is not a new concept. Give your environmental studies, engineering, or physical science class this list of how humans have used solar energy throughout history. Assign groups a certain time...
Curated OER
Spotlight on Photovoltaics and Fuel Cells
Students research the Internet to find the pros and cons to alternative technology. In this investigative lesson students analyze structure and function of these systems and make observations of them.
Curated OER
Spotlight on Photovoltaics and Fuel Cells
Learners conduct Internet research to examine the pros and cons of photovoltaics and fuel cells. They watch a web simulation on fuel cells, complete a handout, and create molecular models using pipe cleaners and gum drops.
Curated OER
Spotlight on Photovoltaics and Fuel Cells
Students utilize Internet resources to uncover the pros and cons of two topics in alternative energy technology: photovoltaics and fuel cells. Students analyze the structure and function of each system to make observations about the...
Curated OER
Photoelectric Devices
Fourth graders view a teacher-made PowerPoint presentation on how photoelectric devices work, and then they answer FCAT-like questions on the material presented. They answer questions about what they viewed in an assignment imbedded in...
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Photovoltaics
Article explaining what photovoltaic cells are, their role in solar energy, how they work, how electricity is produced, and applications of this technology. (Published: April 24, 2010)
![Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: The Energy Report: Solar Energy [Pdf] eBook](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: The Energy Report: Solar Energy [Pdf] eBook")
Other
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: The Energy Report: Solar Energy [Pdf]
Chapter 10 of a report on the energy industry in Texas. It examines solar energy, its history, and how it is used. The solar power industry in Texas is described, its economic importance, methods of producing it, and how it is...
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Feasibility of Photovoltaic Systems [Pdf]
Summarizes how a photovoltaic or PV system works to convert solar energy into electricity. Explains how to estimate what size of PV system is needed and what the cost would be, and provides a worksheet with formulas for calculating...
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Learning About Photovoltaic Systems [Pdf]
Explains how photovoltaic systems work and how Texas homeowners are using them. Discusses how a homeowner can use solar energy and still be on the electricity grid system.
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Solar Electricity Works for Texas [Pdf]
Discusses photovoltaic energy systems and their many applications, e.g., in telecommunications, consumer products, space technology, solar lights, etc.
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Super Solar Cells
An understandable description of modern research that is currently being conducted to develop a more efficient photovoltaic (solar energy) cell. It also contains links to other pages on renewable energy sources.
Energy for Sustainable Development
Esd Bulgaria: Kids & Energy: Energy Facts
A collection of facts about energy use broken down into various topic areas, e.g., health impact of fossil fuels, transportation, energy consumption, alternative energies, etc.
Other
Sun Wind Solar Industries, Inc.
Solar energy facts and information. Instructions on how to build solar devices.
US Energy Information Administration
U.s. Eia: Energy Kids: Renewable Energy: Solar
This is a resource on solar energy, photovoltaic energy, solar thermal heat, solar thermal power plants and other forms of energy.
Energy for Sustainable Development
Esd Bulgaria: Kids & Energy: Solar Energy
Explains what solar energy is, how it differs from photovoltaic energy, and how it is harnessed to produce electric power for humans.
Other
Chewonki Foundation: Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Renewable Energy
Information on different forms of renewable energy with links for student projects, resources for teachers, and links to related resources.