The future of solar energy



 



 



Scientists are looking for other ways to use solar energy safely and effectively. Could this experimental solar greenhouse tower produce enough warm air to rise up, drive a turbine and produce electricity?



 



 



 



 





 



 



In the future, solar cells may be sprayed onto road surfaces.



At the moment, solar cells are fitted onto hard panels. Advances in science may lead to solar cells that can be sprayed onto cars or road surfaces. Soft material could also be fitted with solar cells to cover any shape of house or building.



 



 



 





 



 



This solar-powered boat can study the oceans.



This boat floats on the surface during the day to recharge its solar cells. At night it can use the stored power to dive down deep to study the oceans. Lots of the Sun’s energy is trapped in the oceans. Scientists hope that one day a sea solar power plant could be used to create electricity.



 



 



 





 



 



 



The Sun shines on the Moon.



Scientists want to put solar collectors on the Moon and other planets to trap the Sun’s energy. The energy could be used to create electricity for humans on any planet.



 


Alternative energy



 



 



Many people prefer to use energy sources that do not harm the natural world. These are often called alternative energy sources. Solar energy, wind energy and water energy are alternative energy sources.



 



 



 





 



 



 



These turbines use wind energy to create electricity.



Heat from the Sun warms the air around our planet. The warm air rises. As it does so, cool air sinks. The movement of air forms wind, which turns wind turbines. These turbines turn a generator, and this creates electricity. A group of wind turbines is called a wind farm.



 



 



 





 



 



 



Solar power can be used with other energy sources.



Sometimes, solar power systems have a ‘back-up’ energy supply for times when energy from the Sun is not enough. This may be other alternative energies, such as wind or water energy, or it may be a fossil fuel such as natural gas.



 



 



 





 



 



This machine is called a tokamak. It makes energy by copying the Sun.



The Sun makes its energy by joining, or fusing, atoms together in a process called fusion. For this to happen, the atoms have to be heated to 100 million degree Celsius. A machine called a tokamak has carried out fusion trials. A much larger version is being built in France by international teams and could provide a source of alternative energy.