The promise of renewable energy is that there is a limitless source of fuel that can sustainably power our modern societies. Use the resources below to investigate different forms of renewable energy.
Solar Energy
There is an abundant amount of solar power that is available to be tapped without running out of this resource in human times. However, there are technological challenges that need to be surmounted to reliably harness this source of power.
Exercise 7
Use the resources below to answer the following questions:
- Unit 2: Comparing Energy Choices | EARTH 104: Earth and the Environment (Development) (psu.edu)
- Use the above videos
- How do solar photovoltaics (panels or PVs) convert sunlight into energy?
- Which semiconducting element is required in solar PVs?
- Solar PVs produce electricity more efficiently than other forms of energy. T/F
- How does concentrated solar power (CSP or solar thermal) work?
- What are two problems with the wide-scale adoption of CSP?
- Solar energy is available uniformly everywhere on Earth. T/F
- Explain your previous answer
- The use of solar energy is increasing across the world. T/F
- Explain your previous answer.
Navigate to U.S. Energy Atlas (eia.gov) and click on the “Layer List” button on the top-right. Click on the “Eye Icon” to turn on the Power Plants layer and turn off all other layers. Now click on the Triangle Dropdown option to see different types of Power Plants in the US. Select “Power Plants – Solar”
- Where are more solar power plants present in the continental US?
- How many solar power plants are in South Carolina?
- How many MW does the typical solar power plant produce in SC?
Wind Energy
Wind power has enormous potential across many parts of the US. If optimal locations are available this resource has enormous benefits.
Exercise 8
Use the resources below to answer the following questions:
- Unit 2: Comparing Energy Choices | EARTH 104: Earth and the Environment (Development) (psu.edu)
- Use the above videos
- How is wind captured to produce energy?
- What type of equipment is required for capturing wind energy?
- What are the two advantages of wind energy?
- What are two disadvantages of wind energy?
Navigate to U.S. Energy Atlas (eia.gov) and click on the “Layer List” button on the top-right. Click on the “Eye Icon” to turn on the Power Plants layer and turn off all other layers. Now click on the Triangle Dropdown option to see different types of Power Plants in the US. Select “Power Plants – Wind”
- Where are more wind power plants present in the continental US?
- Are there any wind power plants are in South Carolina?
- Using the map at The Potential Wind Energy Resource, determine if offshore wind energy can be generated in SC.
Hydroelectric Energy
Exercise 9 – Hydroelectric Power
Use the resources below to answer the following questions:
- Unit 2: Comparing Energy Choices | EARTH 104: Earth and the Environment (Development) (psu.edu)
- Use the above video
- How does hydroelectric power generate electricity?
- What are two benefits of hydroelectric power?
- What are two disadvantages of hydroelectric power?
Navigate to U.S. Energy Atlas (eia.gov) and click on the “Layer List” button on the top-right. Click on the “Eye Icon” to turn on the Power Plants layer and turn off all other layers. Now click on the Triangle Dropdown option to see different types of Power Plants in the US. Select “Power Plants – Hydroelectric”
- Where are more hydroelectric power plants present in the continental US?
- Where is the nearest hydroelectric power plant to Charleston?
- How many MW does this power plant produce?
