How does solar power work?

Summary

Brains On! Episode Summary: "How Does Solar Power Work?"

Release Date: March 4, 2025
Hosted by American Public Media

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Introduction to Solar Power

In this engaging episode of Brains On!, co-hosts Rosie Dupont and Anna delve into the fascinating world of solar power. The episode kicks off with Rosie stepping in to fill for their usual host, Molly Bloom, who is on vacation. Introducing the main topic, Rosie announces, “Today's episode is sure to brighten up your day because we're talking all about solar panels” (03:25).

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Understanding Solar Panels

Anna begins by explaining the basics: “Solar panels collect energy from the sun and turn that energy into electricity so we can use it to power stuff” (03:39). The discussion unfolds to describe the appearance and functionality of solar panels, addressing listener questions like Holly’s curious inquiry, “how do solar panels work?” (03:58).

To provide a clearer picture, Anna describes solar panels as “like a big rectangle with, like, blue or black on it, and it has, like, lines throughout the whole thing that go horizontally and vertically” (04:23), likening them to dark graph paper.

When prompted to imagine using solar energy for something personal, Anna chooses a solar-powered car to “stop pollution” (04:50), while Rosie whimsically suggests powering her hair dryer with solar energy (05:08).

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How Solar Panels Work

Mark Sandon enters the conversation to offer a deeper explanation of solar panels. He introduces Sal the Solarbot, who humorously bungles a demonstration before focusing on the technical aspects. Mark explains, “The first thing you need to know about solar panels is that even though they look like one big solid piece, they're actually made up of lots of smaller parts. Those smaller bits are called solar cells” (09:03).

Sal the Solarbot adds, “If you look closely at my solar panels, you can see each solar cell. The cells are very delicate and thin” (09:35), though his attempt to demonstrate by threatening to pluck hairs adds a touch of humor to the explanation.

The hosts walk listeners through the process: solar cells absorb sunlight, convert it into electricity, and sometimes store this energy in batteries for later use. Sal succinctly summarizes, “My solar panels are made of small pieces called solar cells. When sunlight hits the solar cells, it gets turned into electricity” (12:55).

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Benefits of Solar Energy

The episode highlights the environmental advantages of solar power. Anna emphasizes, “People are really interested in using more solar power” (20:17), explaining the dependency on fossil fuels:

• Finite Resources: “We're going to run out of them. It takes millions of years to make more, and we're using up what we have” (21:00).
• Environmental Impact: Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming: “That’s why getting energy from the sun is so appealing. We can’t run out of sunlight, and it’s better for the Earth” (21:20).

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Challenges and the Future of Solar Power

Despite its benefits, the transition to solar energy presents challenges. Scientists are continuously working to enhance solar technology, making panels “smaller and more efficient” (24:58). Innovations like solar shingles and solar windows are being explored to integrate solar power seamlessly into everyday structures.

Anna adds, “Scientists are even studying whether giant solar panels in space might be able to send energy back to Earth someday” (25:22), envisioning a future where solar energy from space fuels nighttime activities.

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Interactive Elements and Fun Demonstrations

The episode incorporates interactive segments to keep young listeners engaged. Sal the Solarbot participates in a curiosity-driven demonstration, albeit humorously failing to assist with cake preparation: “I have consumed the entire cake” (25:44). Additionally, a mystery sound segment invites listeners to guess everyday sounds, fostering interactive learning.

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Closing Remarks

Wrapping up, Rosie and Anna reiterate the significance of solar power in combating climate change. Rosie summarizes, “Solar power is a great way to get the energy we need because it doesn’t create so many gases that heat up the planet as things like burning oil and gas do” (24:45).

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the production team and a shout-out to the young listeners who contribute questions and ideas, reinforcing the community-driven spirit of Brains On!.

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Notable Quotes

• Anna: “Solar panels collect energy from the sun and turn that energy into electricity so we can use it to power stuff.” (03:39)
• Mark Sandon: “The first thing you need to know about solar panels is that even though they look like one big solid piece, they're actually made up of lots of smaller parts. Those smaller bits are called solar cells.” (09:03)
• Rosie Dupont: “Solar power is a great way to get the energy we need because it doesn’t create so many gases that heat up the planet as things like burning oil and gas do.” (24:45)
• Sal the Solarbot: “My solar panels are made of small pieces called solar cells. When sunlight hits the solar cells, it gets turned into electricity.” (12:55)

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This episode of Brains On! masterfully blends education with entertainment, making complex topics like solar power accessible and fun for young minds. Through clear explanations, interactive segments, and engaging discussions, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how solar energy works and its pivotal role in sustaining our planet.

Transcript

[Rosie Dupont]

Whistle while you work.

[Mark Sandon]

From Disney. On March 21, the magical tale Snow White.

[Anna]

Snow White.

[Mark Sandon]

Snow White that started it all.

[Rosie Dupont]

I believe you're looking for me.

[Mark Sandon]

Arrives in theaters. Magic Mirror on the Wall Experience. The Disney classic who's the fairest one of all? Like never before.

[Sal the Solarbot]

We haven't even been in Ragosh yet.

[Mark Sandon]

Disney Snow White. Only in theaters March 21st. Rated PG. Parental guidance suggested.

[Molly Bloom]

It can be hard to unwind your mind, but the Brains on universe is here to help. Check out Moment of Calm in the Moment of podcast feed. For the week of March 3rd, you'll hear moment of episodes with soothing topics and special quiet music perfect for playing at bedtime or anytime you need some chill in your life. And on Friday, March 7, you'll hear a special story with music and sounds that will take your imagination on a magical, relaxing journey. Tune in to Moment of Calm by listening to Moment of the week of March 3, or follow the Moment of in your podcast app to make sure you don't miss an episode.

[Anna]

You're listening to Brains on, where we're serious about being curious. Brains on is supported in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

[Rosie Dupont]

Hmm, let's see. It could go in the middle of the ceiling. Or maybe off to the side.

[Mark]

Hey, Rosie. What are you up to?

[Rosie Dupont]

Oh, hi, Mark. You know how Molly is on vacation.

[Mark]

On a tasting tour of cheese curds in Wisconsin? Of course.

[Rosie Dupont]

Well, she asked me to help with some chores while she's away. Like hanging this disco ball for the Brains on dance party. Or. Oh, geez on a cracker. I totally forgot. Molly also said the toilet at HQ is clogged again. I'll just grab my toilet plunger and wait. No, I'm supposed to fill in for Molly as host today too.

[Mark]

You've got a lot to do. But don't worry, I have the answer. Rosie, meet Sal the solarbot. My latest invention.

[Rosie Dupont]

Solar bot. Like it's powered by the sun?

[Sal the Solarbot]

Affirmative.

[Rosie Dupont]

Hello, RO C. Hi, Sal.

[Mark]

Sal is the first completely solar powered home assistant. Bottom it can help you with literally any task. Watch this. Sal, can you please fix that unspeakably clogged toilet in the bathroom?

[Sal the Solarbot]

My pleasure. Task complete.

[Mark]

Have you ever seen a toilet unclogged so efficiently?

[Rosie Dupont]

Um, yeah. That was pretty vigorous. Hey, Sal, could you hang this disco ball?

[Sal the Solarbot]

Affirmative. I would be delighted. Let's party. May I suggest a limbo contest?

[Mark]

Wow, a toilet plunger that also doubles as a limbo bar. Sal, you think of everything. Plunger burning.

[Rosie Dupont]

You're listening to Brains on from APM Studios. I'm Rosie dupont, and I'm here with Anna from Brooklyn, New York. Hi, Anna.

[Anna]

Hi, Rosie.

[Rosie Dupont]

Today's episode is sure to brighten up your day because we're talking all about solar panels.

[Anna]

Solar panels collect energy from the sun and turn that energy into electricity so we can use it to power stuff.

[Rosie Dupont]

You might have seen solar panels on top of houses or buildings. They often look like big black rectangles. And we've gotten a bunch of questions about them, like this one from Holly.

[Anna]

Hello, my name is Holly, and I'm from Clinton, New York. And my question is, how do solar panels work? An energizing question.

[Rosie Dupont]

So we're going to answer it in a bit. But first, Anna, have you ever seen a solar panel before in real life?

[Anna]

Um, I've seen it on top of buildings and in, like, farmlands and stuff.

[Rosie Dupont]

And can you describe what a solar panel looks like, at least the ones you've seen?

[Anna]

It's like a big rectangle with, like, blue or black on it, and it has, like, lines throughout the whole thing that go horizontally and vertically.

[Rosie Dupont]

So does it sort of look like graph paper but dark? Yeah. Okay. Okay, cool. So if you could pick one thing in the world that you could power with solar energy, what would that thing be? And it could be a toy. It could be. Could be whatever.

[Anna]

I choose a car because it would, like, stop pollution and it would just, like, solar panel it. Like, you could leave it when you park. You could just leave it in the sun and for the day or something. And then at night, if you need to travel anywhere, you can use that energy.

[Rosie Dupont]

That is so cool. If I had one thing that I could make solar powered, I think it would be my hair dryer.

[Anna]

I was thinking of that because it.

[Rosie Dupont]

Feels like a small enough appliance that.

[Anna]

Like, if I can bring anywhere.

[Rosie Dupont]

Yeah, you can bring it anywhere, set it out in the sun, and then turn it on and get your hair going.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Rosie Dupont]

So for solar panels to work, they need to collect energy from our big, beautiful, glowing orb in the sky, the sun. The sun produces tons of energy.

[Anna]

When you're feeling the warmth of the sun on your face, you're feeling that energy.

[Rosie Dupont]

The sun's energy powers nearly all life on Earth. It warms our planet, helps plants grow, and even creates weather patterns. People have been using this sun energy for thousands of years to do all kinds of stuff, from drying their clothes to preserving meat and fruit.

[Anna]

But figuring out how to collect all that energy from the sun and turn it into electricity was tricky.

[Rosie Dupont]

Scientists first figured out how you could make electricity from sunlight. Almost 200 years ago, they started experimenting with lots of different solar powered inventions. But it wasn't until the 1950s that they figured out how to make solar panels that could actually power electronics.

[Anna]

Today, solar panels are everywhere. Some power small things like calculators and lanterns.

[Rosie Dupont]

Others are on rooftops making electricity for homes and businesses.

[Anna]

There's even solar panels in space.

[Rosie Dupont]

Lots of satellites and other spacecraft use solar energy to take pictures and send information back to Earth. All of these solar panels work in a similar way. They take energy from the sun and turn it into electricity that we can use.

[Anna]

Right. But how do they do it?

[Mark]

Is somebody in here wondering how solar panels work?

[Anna]

We are.

[Rosie Dupont]

Oh, hi Mark. Wow, that was perfect timing.

[Mark]

Hey, Rosie. Hi Anna. I was actually crouching outside the door waiting for the right moment. And let me tell you, my thighs are burning. But enough about my impeccable timing and unbelievably muscular legs. I am here to talk about my favorite thing in the world. Solar panels.

[Rosie Dupont]

I thought your favorite thing was picking all the raisins out of the trail mix and using them to make eerily lifelike raisin sculptures of everyone@brainsonhq.

[Anna]

Or learning the names of all the dogs on your block and then shouting hello to them out the window as they walk past your house.

[Mark]

Nah, that's so last month. I'm all about solar panels now and I brought a buddy to help me explain how they work. Sal, the solar powered robot. Sal? Sal, where are you?

[Rosie Dupont]

Bud?

[Sal the Solarbot]

Bud, please.

[Anna]

Upholsterer.

[Rosie Dupont]

Sal.

[Mark]

Little buddy, how'd you get stuck under the couch?

[Sal the Solarbot]

There is a large amount of snack detritus under this upholstered furniture. By my calculations, there are 146 tortilla chips, 259 cheese balls, and 1127 rainbow candy bears. I was attempting to clean it up.

[Rosie Dupont]

So that's where my gummy bears went.

[Anna]

Mark, did you say that Sal is a solar powered robot? Like with solar panels?

[Mark]

Yep. I built Sal myself, so I can tell you pretty much anything you'd want to know about solar power. I learned it all from this book.

[Rosie Dupont]

Pretty much anything you'd want to know about solar power. The book.

[Sal the Solarbot]

Neat. RO C. Do you enjoy books? I could read you every book in the brains on library at triple the normal speed. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

[Rosie Dupont]

Um, I. Yes, I do love books, but let's just stick to solar panels for now.

[Mark]

The first thing you need to know about solar panels is that even though they look like One big solid piece. They're actually made up of lots of smaller parts. Those smaller bits are called solar cells.

[Anna]

Kind of like plants and animals. They are made of lots of small pieces called cells, too.

[Earth]

Right?

[Mark]

Solar cells are usually black or blue, and they come in all different sizes. Most are bigger than a piece of bread, but some are smaller than a postage stamp.

[Sal the Solarbot]

Perhaps I could demonstrate. If you look closely at my solar panels, you can see each solar cell. The cells are very delicate and thin. Thinner than four of your human hairs. Rosie, allow me to pluck four of your hairs to demonstrate.

[Rosie Dupont]

Oh, no, no, no, no. No need, no need. I get the picture.

[Mark]

There are layers of glass or plastic on top of these solar cells to protect them, because solar panels are often outside and. And exposed to wind, rain, or even snow.

[Rosie Dupont]

Wait, so how do these cells work in solar panels, then?

[Mark]

Hmm. How about I show you? Sal, can I get a hand?

[Sal the Solarbot]

Is Taco Tuesday the best day of the week? Affirmative. Speaking of which, Rosie, are you hungry? Do you require a taco? I brought tacos because the studio was dangerously low on sustenance.

[Rosie Dupont]

Actually, yes, I'd love a taco. Oh. Oh, my God. Are these. Are these gummy bear tacos?

[Sal the Solarbot]

Affirmative. I concluded they are your favorite based on the number of candy rainbow bears I found under the upholstered furniture.

[Anna]

These aren't bad.

[Sal the Solarbot]

Actually, these are the candy rainbow bears I found under the upholstered furniture. I know you appreciate the reduce, reuse, recycle lifestyle, Rosie.

[Mark]

Great idea, Sal. Okay, time for a solar demonstration. Let's move our little solar pal into a sunny spot. First, the sun shines on Sal's solar panels.

[Sal the Solarbot]

Cozy.

[Mark]

Next, the solar cells absorb that energy from the sun. That energy flows through special materials inside the solar cell and becomes electricity.

[Rosie Dupont]

Yay, electricity. We can use it to turn on.

[Anna]

Our night lights, make waffles in our waffle makers, use our karaoke machines, eat.

[Rosie Dupont]

Waffles by nightlight while singing karaoke.

[Mark]

A hundred yeses to all those things. Finally, the electricity flows through the solar panel to a special machine that turns it into energy that we can use. And sometimes that energy gets stored in a battery.

[Anna]

Oh, yeah. Batteries are really important for storing solar energy. That way, you can use the energy from the sun anytime, like at night or when the sun isn't shining.

[Sal the Solarbot]

To briefly summarize, my solar panels are made of small pieces called solar cells. When sunlight hits the solar cells, it gets turned into electricity.

[Anna]

And then we can use that electricity to do all kinds of stuff like play music and bake cakes.

[Rosie Dupont]

Oh, that Reminds me, Anna, Molly said I should make sure we have snacks for after the taping. So I baked us an extra large chocolate cake with coconut frosting as a post show treat. We're gonna have so much eating to do when we're done with this taping.

[Anna]

Mmm, I love cake.

[Sal the Solarbot]

Rosie, it sounds like you will need help with this extra large cake.

[Rosie Dupont]

Um, sure, Sal. I mean, it's already baked and everything, but.

[Sal the Solarbot]

Excellent. And RO C. If my calculations are correct, the mystery sound is approaching.

[Rosie Dupont]

Oh, you're right. Sal, may I assist?

[Sal the Solarbot]

I have dreamed of this for my entire existence. By which I mean the last 4 hours and 32 minutes since Mark first turned me on. Anna, it is time for the mystery sound. Wow, what a rush.

[Rosie Dupont]

Nice work, Sal. Okay, Anna, ready to hear the mystery sound?

[Anna]

Yes.

[Rosie Dupont]

Here it is. Okay, what do you think? What do you think it is?

[Anna]

I feel like it's a faucet running. Like a faucet in the bathroom turned on and running.

[Rosie Dupont]

That's a fantastic guess. What kind of faucet? Are we talking a sink? Are we talking a shower?

[Anna]

I feel like since there is many patterns, it's a shower, a running shower, a running shower that someone forgot to turn off, like I usually do.

[Rosie Dupont]

Okay. And I'm going to say I think it's alien static. Like, I think somehow somebody took a microphone and recorded sounds from outer space.

[Sal the Solarbot]

Very excellent guesses. Now, if you will excuse me. The brain's on. Toilet is clogged again.

[Mark]

Oh, yeah. Time for another plunger party. Bye, Rosie. Bye, Anna.

[Rosie Dupont]

Bye, you two. Thanks for telling us about solar power and helping with the mystery sound. We'll hear the answer and get another chance to guess at the end of the show.

[Anna]

So keep listening.

[Rosie Dupont]

We're working on an episode about a time millions of years ago when birds and dinosaurs lived side by side. And we were wondering if you could bring a living, breathing dinosaur to show and tell, what kind would you bring and why? A gentle triceratops for all your friends to pet. A Velociraptor to play hide and seek with on the playground. Anna, what about you?

[Anna]

Probably a very, very, very small T. Rex to, like, play with dolls and stuff.

[Rosie Dupont]

How big are we talking?

[Anna]

Like around two feet.

[Rosie Dupont]

Wow. Do you think it would get into trouble?

[Anna]

I think a T. Rex with herbivore type teeth.

[Moon]

Okay.

[Rosie Dupont]

That's so cute. I love it. I think what I would actually bring is a huge pterodactyl that. Yeah, we could all climb on the back and then fly around the classroom. Yeah, that'd be really Fun. So, listeners, we want to know what kind of dinosaur you'd bring to show and tell and why. Record your answer and send it to [e-mail] contact while you're there, send us your mystery sounds, drawings and questions like this one.

[Anna]

Does water have a taste?

[Rosie Dupont]

You can find answers to questions like these on the Moment of Podcast, a short dose of facts and fun every weekday. Find Moment of Om and [e-mail] and keep listening.

[Sal the Solarbot]

Brains on Universe is a family of podcasts for kids and their adults. Since you're a fan of Brains on, you'll love the other shows in our universe. Come on, let's explore.

[Earth]

It's alien laundry day. While I wash my nose, mufflers and tummy togas, I'll listen to a new podcast.

[Rosie Dupont]

How about smashboom Best?

[Earth]

My favorite debate podcast.

[Mark]

Growing up, I was always a slide kid. I remember this park I went to and it had everything. There was a miniature train, a spinning set of monkey bars. It even had a talking pig shaped trash can called Porky the Litter Eater.

[Sal the Solarbot]

Hi kids, I'm Porky.

[Barney]

Zorp signal down.

[Rosie Dupont]

Stay right there. Tummy togas.

[Earth]

Must find smashboom Best.

[Rosie Dupont]

Now.

[Sal the Solarbot]

Listen to smashboom Best wherever you get your podcasts.

[Molly Bloom]

Hey friends. Molly Sandon and Mark here with some very big news. Drumroll, please.

[Mark]

We're hitting the road in search of adventure, fresh air, and you. That's right. We're gonna be live at the Boulder theater in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday, April 27.

[Molly Bloom]

Our science themed live stage show takes the audience on an adventure through the brain, complete with magic tricks, dance moves, out of body experiences, mystery sounds and a game show.

[Mark]

Molly, you almost left out the most important part. Yeah, Molly, don't forget the big party.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, right after the shows, we're throwing a Brain Tastic bash. Join us afterward for a VIP party where we'll play games, guess mystery sounds, pose for photos, and give as many high fives as humanly possible. Snag a spot by purchasing a VIP pass when you buy your show ticket.

[Mark]

Oh, that reminds me, I've gotta start training. These hands aren't gonna high five by themselves. Good idea. And remember, spots are limited, so grab your tickets [e-mail] events.

[Rosie Dupont]

The Soul to Story podcast is about how teaching kids to read went wrong. But now we have a story about a school district where things are going very right.

[Molly Bloom]

Let me make sure my friends are sitting crisscross applesauce, hands in their lap.

[Rosie Dupont]

I've never had a child that couldn't read how did they do it?

[Mark]

When I tell some of my other colleagues that may be at other schools that this is what I do, and they would say, are you kidding me?

[Rosie Dupont]

New episodes of Sold a Story are.

[Mark]

Available now in your podcast apprains on.

[Anna]

You're listening to Brainz on. I'm Anna.

[Rosie Dupont]

And I'm Rosie. Today we're talking about solar panels and how they work. We just heard how solar panels are made up of solar cells that soak up energy from the sun. These solar cells take that energy and turn it into electricity that we can use.

[Anna]

People are really interested in using more solar power.

[Rosie Dupont]

That's because right now most of the electricity in the US Comes from power plants that burn fossil fuels.

[Anna]

Fossil fuels are things like oil, coal, or natural gas.

[Rosie Dupont]

They're called fossil fuels because they're literally made of ancient animals and plants that were alive on Earth a long, long, long, long time ago.

[Anna]

After these prehistoric plants and animals died, they slowly got buried under layers of rock and dirt.

[Rosie Dupont]

Over millions of years, heat and pressure underground turned them into fuels. Now we burn them and they release energy to power our cars, homes, and factories.

[Anna]

There are a couple problems with burning fossil fuels, though.

[Rosie Dupont]

One is that we're going to run out of them. It takes millions of years to make more, and we're using up what we have.

[Anna]

The other problem is that when we burn these fossil fuels, we put a lot of carbon dioxide gas in our atmosphere, which can heat up the planet.

[Rosie Dupont]

That's why getting energy from the sun is so appealing. We can't run out of sunlight, and it's better for the Earth.

[Anna]

Here to tell us more is the.

[Rosie Dupont]

Earth, along with its good pal, the Moon.

[Barney]

Hello, human friends.

[Earth]

It's me, Earth, and me, the Moon.

[Barney]

So let me tell you why I'm into solar energy.

[Earth]

Ahem. Let us tell you why we're into solar energy.

[Barney]

Okay? Sure. Moon. So you humans are smart and you have invented all sorts of things in the relatively short time you've been living on me.

[Earth]

The Earth, like you invented telescopes to gaze upon me. The Moon.

[Barney]

Uh huh. Also guitars, sewer systems, and hot chocolate to name just a few. Omg. Moon. Remember when they figured out about wheels? That was so cute.

[Earth]

Oh my gosh. I know. And do you remember when they were super, super into using horses to get everywhere? I could see all the horse poop in the streets from way up here.

[Barney]

The odors were intense. I feel like we've gotten distracted. Moon, what were we talking about again?

[Earth]

Solar energy.

[Barney]

Right, Right. Okay, so carbon dioxide gas. You humans make a Lot of it. By burning fossil fuels, this carbon dioxide goes up into my atmosphere, way up in the sky. Now, a little carbon dioxide is good. It's one of the things that traps heat on Earth and makes it warm enough that you little humans can live here.

[Earth]

But you humans have been making lots of carbon dioxide with your fossil fuels. You've been trapping too much heat down there. So things are warming up, and that's changing the climate.

[Barney]

My rainy parts are getting rainier, my dry parts are getting drier, and it's getting hotter.

[Earth]

So my pal Earth would love it if you figured out how to use fewer fossil fuels.

[Barney]

Yeah. Instead, switch to making more electricity using the sun, AKA solar power, or get.

[Earth]

Power using wind and water. These are called renewable energies because you can't run out of them.

[Barney]

Bonus, they don't give off more me warming gases like carbon dioxide.

[Earth]

Okay, this next fact I'm about to share is sure to make the sun even more insufferable.

[Barney]

Well, moon, the sun is really important.

[Earth]

Sure, Earth. But it doesn't have to rub it in my face all the time.

[Barney]

Literally, no humans would be able to see you without the sun shining light on you.

[Earth]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Anyway, the amount of sun that shines on the Earth's surface in an hour and a half is enough energy to power the entire world for a full year.

[Barney]

Dang. That's so great. Go, humans. Harness that solar power. I have to say, solar power has been pretty great for growing plants. On me. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

[Earth]

All right, we gotta go. Earth promised me they'd give me notes on the solo show I've been working on. It's called the Dark side of Me.

[Barney]

Oh, yes. Can't wait. Bye, little human friends.

[Anna]

Brazen.

[Rosie Dupont]

Solar power is a great way to get the energy we need because it doesn't create so many gases that heat up the planet.

[Anna]

Scientists are doing lots of work to figure out how to make this technology work even better.

[Rosie Dupont]

Like figuring out ways to make solar panels that are smaller and more efficient.

[Anna]

They're also coming up with tons of new inventions to collect more solar power.

[Rosie Dupont]

Like solar shingles for roofs. Imagine if your whole roof was covered in solar panels.

[Anna]

Or what if you had solar windows for your house?

[Rosie Dupont]

Scientists are designing newer and better batteries to store all that solar energy.

[Anna]

Scientists are even studying whether giant solar panels in space might be able to send energy back to Earth someday.

[Rosie Dupont]

So cool. Maybe someday we'll be having our nighttime waffle karaoke parties using solar power from space.

[Sal the Solarbot]

Rosie, I have completed my assigned task.

[Rosie Dupont]

I don't remember assigning you a task. Sal.

[Sal the Solarbot]

I assisted you with the extra large chocolate cake as requested. You said you had so much eating to do, so I took the liberty of doing all that eating for you. I have consumed the entire cake.

[Rosie Dupont]

My cake. I didn't. I Mark Solar panels take energy from the sun and turn it into electricity.

[Anna]

Each panel is made up of individual pieces called solar cells.

[Rosie Dupont]

The cells absorb energy from the sun, then turn it into electricity that we can use.

[Anna]

Solar power is an important tool for helping slow down climate change.

[Rosie Dupont]

That's because it doesn't release as much of the gases that heat up the planet as things like burning oil and gas do. That's it for this episode of Brains On.

[Earth]

This episode was written by Shaila Farzan and Molly Bloom.

[Rosie Dupont]

It was edited by Sandon Totten, fact checking by Rebecca Rand. We had engineering help from Gary O'Keefe with sound design by Rachel Freeze and original theme music by Mark Sanchez.

[Anna]

We had production help from the rest of the brainzarn Universe team.

[Barney]

Anna Goldfield, Nico Gonzalez Whistler, Ruby Guthrie.

[Mark]

Lauren Humphrey, Joshua Ray, Mark Sanchez, Charlotte.

[Rosie Dupont]

Traver, Anna Weigel and Aron Woldeselassi. Beth Perlman is our executive producer and the executives in charge of APM Studios are Chandra Kavati and Joanne Griffith. Special thanks to Amir Bibawi.

[Anna]

Brainzon is a non profit public radio program.

[Rosie Dupont]

There are lots of ways to support the show. Join Smartypass for bonus episodes and ad free versions of all of the shows in the Brains on universe. Become a Smartypass subscriber today for just $5 a month or 45 for the whole year. To sign up, head to brainson.org while.

[Anna]

You'Re there, you can send us mystery sounds, drawings and questions.

[Rosie Dupont]

Okay, Anna, are you ready to listen to that mystery sound again?

[Anna]

Yes.

[Rosie Dupont]

Here we go. Okay. Is your guess the same? Has it changed? What do you think?

[Anna]

I still think it's a shower running.

[Rosie Dupont]

Shower. Okay.

[Anna]

Or hot tub. But I mean.

[Rosie Dupont]

Or hot tub. Oh, switching it up. Which do you think it is?

[Anna]

Shower. Because that's more likely.

[Rosie Dupont]

Okay, I think that's a really good guess. I am gonna stick with my alien signals from outer space, but. So let's see what the answer is.

[Anna]

Hi, my name is Barney and I live in New Jersey. And that was the sound of a shower running.

[Sal the Solarbot]

Whoa.

[Rosie Dupont]

You got it so right. Good guesses. Wow. Incredible.

[Moon]

Now it's time for the Brains on a roll. These are the incredible kids who keep this show going with their questions, ideas, mystery sounds, drawings and high fives. Jack from Gilbert, Arizona Hugo from Berlin, Germany Allison from Goshen, New York Leo from Tegucigalpa, Honduras Anna from Edmonton, Alberta Kaitlin from Sunnyvale, California Nova from Easton, Pennsylvania Charlie from Melbourne, Australia Solomon from Baltimore Frank from Singapore Ellis from Taunton, UK Lucas from Edmonton, Alberta Jacob, Claire and Madeline from Parker, Colorado Ambrose from Salem, Massachusetts Gwen and Oliver from Chicago Edith and Iris from Scotts Bay, Nova Scotia Isabel and Adelaide from Maplewood, New Jersey Liam from Charlottesville, Virginia Otto from Clear Lake, Wisconsin Sanders from Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte from Halifax, Nova Scotia Benjamin from Philadelphia Cassidy from Santa Barbara, California Emory and Tate from Fort Collins, Colorado Nicola from Highlands Ranch, Colorado Audrey from Eagle Mountain, Utah Lulu from Roseville, North Carolina Isaiah from Hialeah, Florida Maya from Houston, Texas Margaret Grace from Sacramento Esme from Rochester, Minnesota Kian from Sugarland, Texas Merlin from Albuquerque, New Mexico Witt from Houston, Texas Anave from Redondo Beach, California Kenai Aila, Norian Kubo from Gilbert, Arizona Elliot from Kensington, Maryland Llewellyn from St. Joseph, Missouri Annie and Amos from Cambridge, Massachusetts Oliver from New York Zarifa from Edmonton, Alberta Phoebe from Anchorage, Alaska Max from Shanghai, China Rain from Tucson, Arizona Adam from Toronto Ember from Beaver Lodge, Alberta Barclay from Duncan, British Columbia Jackson from Honolulu Taya and Temperance from Rescue, California Lucas from South Australia Max from Hastings, New Zealand Nick from Ann Arbor, Michigan Casey from Minneapolis JC from Ashton, Idaho Evan from London and Hazel from Reston, Virginia we'll be back next week.

[Rosie Dupont]

With an episode all about trends.

[Anna]

Thank you for listening.

[Molly Bloom]

It can be hard to unwind your mind, but the Brains on Universe is here to help. Check out Moment of Calm in the Moment of podcast feed. For the week of March 3rd, you'll hear moment of Episodes with soothing topics and special quiet music perfect for playing at bedtime or anytime you need some chill in your life. And on Friday, March 7, you'll hear a special story with music and sounds that will take your imagination on a magical, relaxing journey. Tune in to Moment of Calm by listening to Moment of the week of March 3, or follow the Moment of in your podcast app to make sure you don't miss an episode.