This children’s article, A kids’ guide to solar panels: the technology turning sunlight into energy, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore how solar panels work and why they might power our future. Written by Mark Pulley, an experienced teacher and writer.
Why do we need renewable energy?
Many of the world’s electricity sources come from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas. These cause air pollution and release greenhouse gases, which trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere. Scientists believe this leads to climate change, which affects the weather, sea levels, and habitats.
Solar energy is a type of renewable energy, which means it can be used again and again because it comes from the Sun. We’ll never run out of sunlight. Using solar panels helps reduce harmful pollution, reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, and protects nature for our future.
A short history of solar panels and giant farms
In 1839, a French scientist named Edmond Becquerel found that sunlight could make electricity. Later, in 1883, Charles Fritts built the first solar cells. They only worked a little, but they started something big. By the 1950s, scientists had made much better silicon cells that could power real machines.
Today, solar panels are used not just on houses but in enormous solar farms. One of the biggest is in Tamil Nadu, India. It has millions of panels spread across the land and makes enough energy for more than 150,000 homes!
How solar panels work and how much energy they make
Solar panels are built from tiny parts called solar cells, which are usually made of silicon. When sunlight hits them, it knocks little particles called electrons loose, creating electricity. That electricity can power homes, schools, or charge batteries for later use.
How much energy a panel makes depends on sunshine, size, angle, and efficiency. Big farms like the one in Tamil Nadu can power whole towns, while rooftop panels can still cut electricity bills. They are cleaner than burning fossil fuels, but they do not work as well at night or on very cloudy days.
The future: solar power in space
Scientists dream of building giant solar farms in space, where the Sun shines all the time with no clouds to block it. The tricky part is finding safe ways to send that energy down to Earth, maybe with wireless beams.
Another challenge is storing solar energy. Batteries are getting better, but we also need new ways to keep huge amounts of power ready for when the Sun is not shining. If scientists solve this, solar energy could one day light up whole cities and help fight climate change.
Article vocabulary list
- Solar cell – a small part of a solar panel that changes sunlight into electricity
- Silicon – a material often used in computer chips and solar cells
- Electron – a tiny particle inside atoms that carries electricity
- Efficiency – how well something works compared to how much energy goes in
- Fossil fuels – fuels like coal, oil, and gas that come from ancient plants and animals
- Renewable – energy that comes from natural sources that will not run out, like the Sun or wind
- Battery – a device that stores energy to be used later
- Climate change – long-term changes in Earth’s weather, partly caused by humans burning fossil fuels
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Why do we need renewable energy?
a) Because it comes from sources that never run out, like the Sun
b) Because it is cheaper than any other energy
c) Because it is made in factories
Answer: a) Because it comes from sources that never run out, like the Sun
2. Who built the first working solar cells in 1883?
a) Edmond Becquerel
b) Charles Fritts
c) Bell Labs scientists
Answer: b) Charles Fritts
3. How many homes can the Tamil Nadu solar farm power?
a) About 50,000
b) About 150,000
c) About 5,000
Answer: b) About 150,000
4. What happens inside a solar cell when sunlight hits it?
a) Electrons are knocked loose, creating electricity
b) The panel changes colour
c) The solar cell melts
Answer: a) Electrons are knocked loose, creating electricity
5. What is one challenge of future solar space farms?
a) Too many clouds in space
b) Sending the energy safely back to Earth
c) Sunlight is too weak in space
Answer: b) Sending the energy safely back to Earth
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
