Space-saving solar hacks

6 Minute English

语言学习

2023-09-07

6 分钟

单集文稿 ...

  • Neil: I'm Neil.

  • Beth: And I'm Beth.

  • As the world switches from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy,

  • solar panels are appearing in more and more places... and with good reason.

  • Neil: Yes. Today, the world is generating 10 times more solar electricity than a decade ago,

  • and what's more,

  • solar is the only energy source on track to meet the UN's 2050 net zero targets.

  • Beth: But there's a problem: space.

  • As the rooftops in our cities and towns get filled up with solar panels,

  • finding space for them becomes difficult.

  • In this programme we'll be exploring two surprising solar projects

  • to build PV panels in all kinds of weird and wonderful places.

  • And, as usual, we'll be learning some useful new vocabulary too.

  • Neil: Great! But first I have a question for you, Beth.

  • Harnessing the power of the sun is not new,

  • in fact solar power dates back over 2700 years.

  • In 213 BC, mirrors were used to reflect sunlight back

  • onto Roman ships attacking the city of Syracuse,

  • causing them to catch fire.

  • But which ancient Greek philosopher was responsible for this solar heat ray? Was it: