Wind and solar

• What are the two renewable energy sources discussed in the video?

  Wind power and solar power
• How is wind power captured?

  Through the use of wind turbines
• Where are wind turbines generally placed?

  In exposed areas like malls or coasts where there are lots of ' strong winds
• How do wind turbines generate electrical energy?

  1. Blades spin in the wind
  2. They turn the generator
  3. Generator converts kinetic energy into electrical energy
  4. Electrical energy is transported to the national grid
• What components generate electric currents directly from sunlight in solar power?

  Solar cells, often in the form of solar panels
• How do solar panels generate electricity?

  They generate electric currents directly from sunlight
• What are two places where solar power is used well on a small scale?

  1. Low energy devices like watches and calculators to avoid battery replacement
  2. Remote regions like the Australian outback without connection to the main power grid
• On what scale is solar energy being used to generate electricity today?

  Large scale to generate electricity for entire towns
• What are the similarities between the pros and cons of wind and solar energy?

  Similarities:

  • Very low running costs
  • Do not produce any pollutants (no carbon dioxide)
  • Have high upfront costs
  • Manufacturing process produces pollutants (particularly for solar cells)
  • Dependent on weather for energy generation
  • No way to increase supply during peak demand
  • Take up a lot of space
• What is the main pollutant produced in the process of making solar cells?

  Carbon dioxide
• What is the main weather dependency issue with both wind and solar energy?

  If the wind doesn't blow or the sun doesn't shine, they don't generate any electricity
• What is a drawback regarding land usage for wind and solar energy?

  They both take up a lot of space, especially needing many units to produce significant power
• What environmental impact do wind and solar energy have?

  Neither damages the environment
• How are wind and solar energy becoming more sustainable?

  Both are getting cheaper every year