Staus+Solar+Energy+2

Sam S. ( Professer Charles) Olivia ( Reporter Nikki) Andrew W. ( Scientist Gary)

(Music)

Nikki: Hi! It's Nikki. And this is Solar Power Half'n Hour ***. Today we have two special guests. Scientist Gary from the Science Lab of Nebraska. And Professer Charles from the University of Arizona. If you listen through the whole show, you will hear their oppinions on solar energy. Now here it is. SOLAR POWER HALF'N HOUR! For those who don't know, solar energy is the energy that the sun produces, which can be used to make heat and energy. Solar panels convert the energy into electricity or heat. It can be used in small spaces or huge spaces.

Charles: Hello. I'm Professer Charles. I teach environmental science at the University of Arizona and my students spend time researching all sorts of energy sources. I do not really like Solar Energy. 2 reasons are cost and availability. Solar cells cost more than $1,000, and you can only use solar energy when the sun is out.

Nikki: That's interesting. I can tell that you disagree with Gary. What do you have to say about that?

Gary: As a scientist, I've studied solar energy and the environment for 10 years. I like solar energy and think it's the best option for creating electricity!

Charles: Well, 3 other reasons it's not good are, weather can effect their efficiancy, and weather is unpredictable so you don't know when bad weather might come, also, the wiring is expensive and solar panles are huge and take up alot of room on the property.

Nikki: Gary?

Gary: I completley disagree. some pros are, the only pollution solar energy gives is the making of the solar panels, and a great pro is the cost of them. They cost alot at first but once they are installed they are a great help to the planet. It's quieter than something like wind power, and cleaner than something like nuclear power..

Nikki: Do you have any more?

Gary: Yes I do. According to research, it is easy to install additional panels if your energy needs increase but you need to ask the goverment first, and researchers are working on a way to use solar energy to create tap water from salt water. So some day we could be using solar energy to create electricity and clean water.

Nikki: Well, I have some facts. Solar is the latin word for sun, people all around the world have used solar energy,more than 10,000 families in the U.S. use solar energy today, solar energy is the sun's radiation that reaches the surface of the earth, The sun has made solar energy for millions of years, solar panels can last for decades, you can use solar energy a heating and power source, solar energy is found wherever the sun shines on earth, and using a solar roof can save you $6,460 a year in electrical bills.

Charles: Now I know a few new things about solar energy being good to the planet. Now that I know that solar energy is good and bad, I MIGHT use solar energy in the future.

Nikki: What do you have to say Gary?

Gary: Now I know a few new things about solar energy being bad to the planet. Now that I know that solar energy is good and bad, I might do more tests in my lab on solar energy.

Nikki: That's VERY interesting. Here's what I have to say: If everyone had solar panels, there would be no more polluting energy plants and people could ahve a different job for a change like making or installing the panels. Solar energy is an organic source of energy so even though it can run out, ewe can have it for millions of years. People who have solar panels help the world and they are probably cutting down on some pollution by using solar panels because they don't use heat energy that causes the pollution when the plants make the heating or electrical meters. We've got to go because the time is up. For more information, you should go to ehow.com. I hope you enjoyed our show and see you next time on...

Everyone: SOLAR POWER HALF'N HOUR!