Published by Australian Academy of Science
Activity 3 | Harnessing direct solar energy – a progress report

Aspects of solar energy collection and use

The following topics cover a variety of aspects of solar energy collection and use. Select a topic, research it in the library and present the information that you have found to the class:

• photovoltaic cells;
• the use of solar collectors in communications;
• solar thermal electricity;
• the use of solar energy for hydrogen fuel production;
• the World Solar Challenge.

Teachers notes

Biomass, wind energy, wave energy and hydroelectricity could also be used as topics. Students should be able to show how these forms of energy originate from the sun.