# data[].attributes.headline
Where in the world is this energy source used most?

# data[].attributes.subject
Where in the world is this energy source used most?

# data[].attributes.body
China

# data[].attributes.body
Renewable

# data[].attributes.headline
How much of the world’s electricity comes from this source?

# data[].attributes.subject
How much of the world’s electricity comes from this source?

# data[].attributes.body
4.5%

# data[].attributes.headline
How does your energy source generate electricity- explain it below? 

# data[].attributes.subject
How does your energy source generate electricity- explain it below? 

# data[].attributes.body
Photovoltaic panels  absorb sunlight or photons and there are two layers of silicon in solar cells. The photons hit the positive and negative levels of silicone. The energy heads to the negative side and the electrons bounce up a level when the sun is shining on it. Then it goes down a level shortly after that, releasing energy.

# data[].attributes.headline
What are the advantages/disadvantages of this energy source?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are the advantages/disadvantages of this energy source?

# data[].attributes.body
Advantages:

It is clean and renewable energy.  It reduces the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.  Using solar energy can lower one’s electricity bills.  Solar panels have a low maintenance cost.  Solar energy can be generated in any climate.  Solar panels could also potentially increase the value of a home.

Disadvantages:

Generating solar energy is difficult when it is cloudy, plus solar panels don’t work well for some roof types.  Solar energy is very expensive to store for use at night or when it is cloudy.  Also, there is a high cost to install solar panels in the beginning.

# data[].attributes.headline
Imagine that the City of Fort Collins would like to shift our energy source to your method...

# data[].attributes.subject
Imagine that the City of Fort Collins would like to shift our energy source to your method...

# data[].attributes.body
The city would need to estimate how many solar panels would be needed to generate enough solar energy to meet the electricity demand of the entire city.

Fort Collins is located in a state (Colorado) that typically has a majority of sunny days throughout the year.

Finding cost effective ways to store all of the solar energy generated by the city so it can be used during cloudy, rainy or snowy days or also at night.

# data[].attributes.body
$24 each megawatt hour. Solar energy is more expensive upfront, it is much cheaper in the long run.

# data[].attributes.body
Photovoltaic solar

# data[].attributes.headline
How does this source impact the environment?

# data[].attributes.subject
How does this source impact the environment?

# data[].attributes.body
Good:  Solar power is a renewable source of energy that does not emit greenhouse gasses to make electricity.  It is also getting easier to manufacture and install solar panels, which increase our overall use of solar energy.

Bad:  It takes a lot of energy up front to mine the minerals and manufacture the solar panels.  Another negative impact is that it requires hazardous chemicals to manufacture solar panels, which requires companies to dispose of these chemicals properly.  Some companies do not handle or dispose of these chemicals in a safe and proper manner.  Recycling solar panels is not an issue yet but may become an issue in the future if used panels are just sent to landfills.