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Why aren't we only using solar power? - Alexandros George Charalambides

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11,998 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

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Solar power is cheaper and more sustainable than our current coal-fueled power plants, so why haven't we made the switch? The real culprits here are the clouds, which make solar power difficult to control. Alexandros George Charalambides explains how solar towers and panels create electricity and how scientists are trying to create a system that can function even under cloud cover.

Can clouds increase solar irradiance reaching a photovoltaic?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alexandros George Charalambides
  • Director Richard O'Connor
  • Artist Kristin Kemper, Kelsey Stark
  • Compositor Taisiya Zaretskaya
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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