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Caitlin Harrison
Professor Malcolm Campbell
English 1103
2/17/15
Topic Proposal: Independent Solar Energy
Introduction/Overview
I will be researching the topic of solar energy, specifically as a stand-alone energy source
that could potentially replace other major energy sources in our society. Solar energy by
definition is the light and heat energy that is emitted from the sun. It can be harnessed using
many different technologies, some active and some passive. For the most part, solar energy is an
intriguing topic because it presents the idea of a completely clean and inexhaustible energy
source.
Passive solar energy is much more common and older than active solar energy. It
involves simple techniques of using solar power, like orienting a building so that it receives
natural light and heat from the sun. Active solar energy dates back to 1861, when Auguste
Mouchout developed a steam engine powered by the sun. He did this because he questioned the
widespread belief that fossil fuels would last forever, and wanted to find an energy source that
could last forever.
In 1953, Bell Laboratories developed the first silicon solar cell that generated a
measurable electric current. While the photovoltaic cells were far from practical in the 1950s,
they sparked a new era in energy, leading to much future research of the limitless energy of the
sun.
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Today, it is still unsure if solar energy is a strong enough energy source to replace our
other more common and less clean energy sources. There is much research being done on
lowering the cost of solar energy and finding a way to harness enough solar energy to create a
substantial amount of power.
Next Steps
In the future, I plan to visit the websites of multiple science institutions that are doing
research on solar energy. This will be a great place to get a feel for where solar energy is
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currently. I will also research the history of solar energy and how much growth it has made in the
past century. There are many science journals from the late twentieth century in our library, and I
plan to sift through those as possible sources on the past of solar energy. I may also search for
UNCC professors involved in solar research, or check with my dad and see if he knows anyone
at Duke Energy involved in solar research. These would be good candidates to interview
regarding my topic.