Why aren't we only using solar power? - Alexandros George Charalambides

Solar power is cheaper and more sustainable than our current coal-fueled power plants, so why haven't we made the switch? The real culprits here are the clouds, which make solar power difficult to control. Alexandros George Charalambides explains how solar towers and panels create electricity and how scientists are trying to create a system that can function even under cloud cover.

 Lesson by Alexandros George Charalambides, animation by Ace & Son Moving Picture Co., LLC.

KEZAKO : How can we create electricity with light?

"How can we make electricity with light?" addresses the phenomena of absorption of photons and releasing electrons. It also explains the principle of Grätzel cells.

 

Weekend Projects - Solar Joule Bracelet

The Solar Joule Bracelet combines two separate projects, a solar battery and a "joule thief," to build a wearable circuit that powers an LED. Solar energy flows through the photodiodes, building up a supercapacitor, which essentially acts like a battery. This energy is then delivered to the joule thief, where oscillations eventually exceed the LED's forward voltage, making it light up. Once fully charged, these oscillations will occur so fast that the LED will appear continuously bright, visible even during daytime!

 Complete instructions