Solar Energy Basics
How do forests help protect against
Tree roots stabilize soil and prevent runoff.
Give one example of passive solar energy
South-facing windows
Thermal mass
What is a p-n junction?
The boundary between p-type and n-type semiconductors
What does a flat plate collector do?
Absorbs solar heat to warm fluid.
Name something that affects how much electricity a solar panel produces.
Amount of sunlight – 35 points
Angle of the panel – 20 points
Shading (trees, clouds, etc.) – 15 points
Temperature – 10 points
Color/wavelength of light – 8 points
Distance from light source – 6 points
Panel cleanliness – 4 points
Connection type (series vs. parallel) – 2 points
What is the relationship between solar energy and Earth's location? (Think equater)
More energy near the equator, less near the poles.
Compare passive and active solar systems. Whats the difference.
Passive uses building design; active uses mechanical devices.
What element is commonly used in PV cells?
Silicon.
What is a CSP?
Concentrating solar power
Name a part of a solar cell or solar panel system
Photovoltaic cell – 30 points
P-N junction – 20 points
Multimeter – 15 points
Wires – 10 points
Solar panel – 8 points
Energy storage/battery – 7 points
Inverter – 6 points
Light source – 4 points
Describe how the angle of material impacts reflection
Lower angles reflect more light.
What type of water is used for a Hot Solar water system?
Glycol Water
What is a photon?
A particle of light.
Explain the difference between open and closed loop systems
Open uses water directly; closed uses antifreeze fluid and its warmer.
Name a reason why a solar panel might not work well.
Not enough sunlight – 35 points
Too much shading – 20 points
Incorrect angle – 15 points
High temperature – 10 points
Loose or broken wires – 8 points
Dirty panel surface – 7 points
Faulty connection – 3 points
Obstructed airflow/ventilation – 2 point
Explain how solar radiation interacts with surfaces.
It can be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected depending on the material.
List three components of active solar systems
Collector, storage, distribution system.
GDescribe how a photon causes an electron to move in a PV cell.
Photon energy frees electrons to create current.
Describe how evacuated tubes work
Vacuum tubes reduce heat loss and heat fluid inside
Name something people do when they think no one is watching
Dance weirdly – 25 points
Pick their nose – 20 points
Talk to themselves – 15 points
Sing off-key – 12 points
Make funny faces in the mirror – 10 points
Practice arguments they’ll never have – 8 points
Check themselves out – 6 points
Trip and pretend it didn’t happen – 4 points
AWhat factors affect the amount of solar radiation a surface receives?
Angle of material, surface material, and frequency.
What are the drawbacks of active systems in cold climates?
Risk of freezing and corrosion in open-loop systems.
Which photon do Solar cells absorb best?
Visible light, Ultraviolet light, and Infrared.
Why can't the unchosen photons be absorbed as easily?
Visible light
Ultraviolet light is too short and will be stopped at the surface.
Infrared is too long is just pass through
Name a metal that old coins might be made out of.
Silver
29
Gold
25
Copper
20
Bronze
18
Zinc
4
Steel
2
Name something people do that they think is saving time... but actually isn’t
Speeding in traffic – 25 points
Multitasking – 20 points
Skipping breakfast – 15 points
Binge-watching 'just one more episode' – 12 points
Sending long texts instead of calling – 10 points
Using voice-to-text without proofreading – 8 points
Trying to "wing it" instead of planning – 6 points
Overloading the dishwasher – 4 points