PV Gap

Mike Said:

Can Solar Energy be used to cool buildings, is it cost effective to use such features?

We Answered:

As another answerer said, a building with solar panels should be able to generate enough electricity to run a traditional a/c.

Also, I happened to read about this solar dye yesterday:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/75…

Of course this technology isn't available yet, but all the windows in the building could be collecting solar energy, which might also keep the building cooler.

Amy Said:

what is the control variable and uncontrolled variable of what attracts more solar energy black,red,or white?

We Answered:

Your uncontrolled variable is color - this is the experimental variable that you change in the experiment.

Controlled variables would include things like light intensity (you wouldn't want to test one color on a sunny day and another on a cloudy day, for example), angle of test surface with respect to the Sun, the method used to measure solar energy generation (a thermometer? If so, type of thermometer, placement on test surface, etc. need to be controlled).