Sunlight is inexhaustible, even if it is not always available in its purest form, and is therefore one of the so-called "renewable" energy sources. The sun gives off more energy to the earth in just one hour than we humans need in an entire year.
How can energy be generated from sunlight?
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaic systems consist of solar modules that turn sunlight into energy (i.e. electricity). In order to be able to use the electricity, it must be converted from direct current to household current (alternating current 230V) by an inverter.
Solar thermal energy
In contrast to a photovoltaic system, which generates electricity, a solar thermal system generates heat with the help of water. Here, pipes or dark tubes filled with a water/antifreeze mixture run through solar collectors to generate heat. This is transferred to the heating system through a heat exchanger.
Challenges
One clear challenge is the high purchase price. Governments help here on a large scale with subsidies - but the initial purchase often only pays for itself in many years.
Solar thermal energy is significantly cheaper to buy - but in the long term, generating electricity with a photovoltaic system is more economical for your monthly energy bill.
Advantages
Solar energy will always be available, which is why research into this emission-free energy generation is an important aspect of the energy transition. The cheaper plants can be built, the more clean electricity can take over the tasks of fossil fuels.
Welcome to Saving energy at school. Here you will find detailed information on the topics from our Metaverse room.
The Metaverse room consists of 7 rooms:
- Entrance
- Energy
- Energy saving
- Future
- Auditorium
- Cinema
- Tasks
In the rooms you will find various articles that you can open on the Internet by clicking on "View".
Start your puzzle rally in the task room. You can also download the game instructions here.
Travel through three different levels and solve all the tasks. Each answer has a code number that you need to unlock the final quiz. Enter all the code numbers in your game instructions!
Once you have completed all the tasks, travel through the final quiz portal in the task room and enter your solution password there to check whether you have solved all the tasks correctly.
Your certificate is waiting for you! Have fun!
