How "Balcony Solar" Could Help Fight Rising Utility Costs
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences, Economics
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Provided by Climate Central
What it is
- This video and accompanying article explain how small solar panels reduce electricity costs and why rising United States energy prices are driving interest.
- Students also learn about the patchwork of utility regulations slowing adoption in the United States and how states have begun passing laws to allow plug-in solar.
Teaching tips
Prerequisites:
- Ensure students understand that energy typically comes from burning fossil fuels, which impacts the environment.
Classroom Implementation:
- Use this video as a warm-up or hook for a lesson on renewable energy. Consider pairing it with this lesson.
Extensions:
- Have students explore the regulations in their state that could help or hinder someone's ability to install balcony solar.
Interdisciplinary Connections:
- Personal Finance:
- Have students estimate payback time and yearly savings from a panel's cost and monthly savings range.
- Engineering
- Ask students to weigh the costs, benefits, and trade-offs of plug-in solar versus traditional rooftop systems
Sustainable Development Goals Connections:
- Use this resource can be used to make connections to Sustainable Development Goal 7, Affordable and Clean Energy.
From the scientist review
This resource details the growth of balcony solar technology and state regulations that make plug-in solar panels a possibility for many Americans. Throughout, the focus is strongly on green energy as a means to reduce carbon emissions and reduce power bills. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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