The Color Black Effect Melting Ice Vs. Color White

Overview

History of similar experiments

In an experiment to see how the color black effects melting ice versus the color white, the color black was shown to absorb the sunlight and melt the ice quicker. (Bonnet, 1999)

In the experiment, a homeowner contemplated installation of solar panels. One of the most predominant questions is “What is the effect of sky conditions on solar panel power output?” How much will a heavily clouded overcast sky reduce output? It turned out to be a huge difference from cloudy to sunny skies. On cloudy days, the power output was only 3 percent. (Born, 2011)

The Solar Flair is an experiment solar-powered car that can run at speeds of 40 mph. It has nearly 900 solar cells arranged on the top and the rear of

Solar energy never runs out. It is cheap and non-polluting. In bright sunlight it can produce just over 1 kilowatt of power. (Burne, 1992) Solar cells require no moving parts so they need very little maintenance but is it effective all the time?

How solar cells work

Light shines on the cell. Electrons are dislodged in the lower layer and move to the upper layer.

Electrons in the lower layer move from one atom to another to fill the holes left by other electrons.

Continual movement of electrons result in an electrical current. It flows as long as the light shines. (Parker, 1997)

Definitions

Photovoltaic cell - A means of converting sunlight into electricity (see solar cell).

Solar cell - A means of converting sunlight into electricity (see photovoltaic cell).

Solar electric energy - Energy from the sun used for electricity

Electrons - a stable subatomic particle with a charge of negative electricity, found in all atoms and acting as the primary carrier of electricity in solids

Electrical Current - a flow of electric charge. In electric circuits this charge is often carried by moving electrons in a wire. (Fonash,