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How we get our energy
This is how we get our energy source. Photovoltaic cells, or solar panels, found on things like spacecraft, rooftops, and handheld calculators. The cells are made of semiconductor materials like those found in computer chips. When sunlight hits the cells, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms. As the electrons flow through the cell, they generate electricity. On a much larger scale, solar-thermal power plants employ various techniques to concentrate the sun's energy as a heat source. The heat is then used to boil water to drive a steam turbine that generates electricity in much the same fashion as coal and nuclear power plants, supplying electricity for thousands of people.
Where it's being used
My is being used in Italy, China, Germany, Japan, USA, France and more. France, UK, Greece and Bulgaria were not far behind. Spain has become the world leader in solar thermal power (CSP) with a capacity of 1 GW in 2012. This represents 65 percent of the total installed CSP capacity in the world.
Pros/Cons about solar power
Video of solar power
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