Deploy Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaics
Scientific Reports
Grades9, 10, 11, 12, APEarth and Space Sciences, Engineering
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Provided by Project Drawdown
What it is
- This article discusses the difference between utility-scale solar photovoltaics (PVs) and conventional power plants, efficacy of utility-scale PVs at generating power, and estimates for the emissions that may be reduced if utility-scale solar PVs continue to grow.
- Students will read about the benefits of using solar panels to generate electricity, the cost savings and expected reductions in emissions, and the feasibility of its adoption.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This article has a robust references section and additional resources to explore.
- This article acknowledges that energy use needs to decrease (through efficiency and less waste) in order to properly mitigate climate change.
Prerequisites
- Students should understand how electricity is generated in fossil fuel-based plants to see the huge benefit of solar PVs for air quality, land conservation, water quality, and toxic waste reduction.
Differentiation & Implementation
- To assess prior knowledge, the teacher can ask the class questions about solar panels before reading the article and have them research the process of electricity generation.
- Students can use this article for a persuasive essay on why the world needs to quickly transition to renewable energy sources and the economic incentives to do so.
- This article can support a classroom discussion on the American government's effectiveness at moving the country towards renewable energy or on the connection between energy usage and socioeconomic status.
- Science classes can utilize this article as an example of a brief scientific paper. Have students use it as a guide to create their own report from a lab experiment or research assignment.
From the scientist review
This resource provides a discussion on the use of solar power. An introduction is provided discussing the use of solar power, along with the expected growth. A methodology to using solar power is discussed that provides example markets that can make the change to solar power, along with scenarios and a financial model. A results and discussion section round out the topic on utility scale solar power. This resource would be a great addition to a classroom discussion about alternative power sources being utilized at a large scale and it is recommended for teaching.
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