You need the Flash Player version 8.0.0.0 or higher and a JavaScript enabled browser to view this site

Invention Nation: Solar Panels

Related Article: Learn more about solar panels.

Take a closer look at the technology used to build solar panels. Learn more about solar cells in this video.

browse videos in energy production

Invention Nation: Solar Panels (1:22)

Take a closer look at the technology used to build solar panels. Learn more about solar cells in this video.

Electricity From Spinach (1:31)

Watch this video about electricity from spinach on HowStuffWorks. MIT researchers have created a spinach-powered solar battery, harnessing the ability of plants to convert sunlight into electricity. Learn how to generate electricity from spinach in... More »

Understanding Electricity: How Electricity Works (55:59)

Electricity has dramatically changed lifestyles in much of the world, but how does it work? In segments that cover television technology, the harnessing of electricity and electromagnetic power, students examine electricity.

Solar Panel Factory (1:29)

From the archives of Discovery: Solar panels are built in factories across the world. Learn more about solar panels and solar panel factories in this video.

New Wind Energy Technologies (2:13)

Watch this video about wind energy on HowStuffWorks. Wind is the fastest growing energy source in the world and here in the U.S., wind farms have popped up in more than 30 states, producing enough energy to power an estimated 2.5 million homes a... More »

recently added

Understanding Magnetism: All About Magnetism (50:00)

In this video, find out how magnetic forces were first discovered and how magnetism affects humans and other animals. Explore the role of magnetism in computers, audio recording, medicine and travel.

Understanding Electricity: How Electricity Works (55:59)

Electricity has dramatically changed lifestyles in much of the world, but how does it work? In segments that cover television technology, the harnessing of electricity and electromagnetic power, students examine electricity.

Energy Converters: A Review (1:47)

We could not exercise or live if we did not convert energy. All organisms, whether producers or consumers, need to absorb and convert energy. That energy is noticeable only when it is converted from one form to another.

Solar Energy in the Biosphere: A Review (1:09)

The flow of energy through the biosphere sustains life on Earth, and in this way the planet is similar to a spaceship traveling through space. Like any other crew of astronauts, we must take care of our life support systems.

Power Up: A Review (2:05)

This clip reviews the concepts of energy use and alternative sources of energy.

Power Up: Everyday Energy Conservation (3:16)

Ways of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels include turning off lights when not needed, using fans rather than air conditioning, turning down thermostats in winter, insulating homes better and not using cars for short trips.

Power Up: An Overview of Earth and Energy (1:54)

Our use of energy makes our many modern conveniences possible, but it has caused smog and acid rain. Ultimately, it may change Earth’s climate.

Work and the Simple Machine: Work and Energy Quiz (6:37)

Find out how much you've learned about work and energy by taking this video quiz.

Work and the Simple Machine: Power Defined (1:44)

Power is the amount of work performed divided by the time period required to do the work. The unit of power in the English system is horsepower (hp).

Work and the Simple Machine: Work Defined (2:18)

Work is accomplished only when a force is used to move an object a distance. The English system uses foot-pounds to measure work; the metric system uses Newton-meters to measure work.