Overview of Solar Energy
24 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main reason monocrystalline solar panels are the most expensive?

  • They are made from a single crystal of silicon. (correct)
  • They have a higher production efficiency.
  • They are manufactured using rare materials.
  • They require less time to manufacture.

    • Which type of solar panel has the lowest efficiency?

  • Monocrystalline
  • Film PV (correct)
  • Hybrid PV
  • Polycrystalline

    • Which arrangement of solar panels is referred to as a string?

  • Panels arranged in series. (correct)
  • Panels fixed at various angles.
  • Panels arranged in parallel.
  • Multiple strings connected in series.

    • How is solar power output affected by the Earth's tilt and orbit?

    <p>It peaks during summer in the Northern Hemisphere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the inverter play in a solar PV system?

    <p>It converts DC current into AC current.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What determines the efficiency of a solar panel?

    <p>The type of silicon used.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is photovoltaic energy considered predictable despite its intermittent nature?

    <p>Daily demand for electricity matches solar peaks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the correlation between the speed of crystal formation and solar panel cost?

    <p>Slower growth results in higher costs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of semiconductors in solar cells?

    <p>To convert solar radiation into electrical energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the band gap energy levels in semiconductors?

    <p>The band gap in semiconductors is narrower than in insulators</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does electron flow in circuits relate to the properties of conductors and semiconductors?

    <p>Conductors allow easy electron movement due to loose outer electrons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor plays a key role in the efficiency of solar cells?

    <p>The quality and type of semiconductor material used</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process of photovoltaic energy conversion?

    <p>Converting solar radiation into electrical energy through semiconductor interactions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic distinguishes semiconductors from insulators?

    <p>Semiconductors have a partial band gap allowing limited electron mobility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which form of solar energy involves the use of mirrors to concentrate solar radiation for power generation?

    <p>Concentrated solar</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the energy received at the Earth's surface originates from the Sun?

    <p>99.9%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the voltage between the terminals of a solar cell when it is exposed to sunlight?

    <p>The voltage increases because of more free electrons and holes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which side of the solar cell primarily collects excess electrons?

    <p>N-side</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do the ions in the depletion zone play in a P-N junction?

    <p>They exert a reciprocal force on electrons and holes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During solar energy absorption, where do most of the generated electron holes concentrate?

    <p>On the P-side</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component helps to reduce energy loss from reflection in solar cells?

    <p>Non-reflective film</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs in a solar cell circuit when the N-side and P-side terminals are connected?

    <p>Excess electrons move from N-side across the conductor to P-side.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the solar cell is mainly responsible for receiving and processing solar energy?

    <p>N-side</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of sunlight on the conductive band within a solar cell?

    <p>It leads to the generation of free electrons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Overview of Solar Energy

    • Solar insolation is a primary energy source, used for space heating, water heating, and thermoelectric power generation.
    • Solar cells convert solar energy directly into electricity.
    • The chemistry of semiconductors is key to solar cell function.
    • Solar PV (photovoltaic) systems, involving solar panels and solar arrays, and the economics of solar systems are discussed.

    Lecture Outline

    • 99.9% of Earth's surface energy comes from the sun.
    • Most primary energy sources rely on the sun directly or indirectly.
    • Solar radiation can be used directly for work.
    • Four major solar energy forms: passive solar, solar heating, concentrated solar, and solar photovoltaics (PV).
    • Solar PV systems consist of solar panels, which contain solar cells, made of semiconductors.
    • Semiconductors have varying conductivity, ranging from conductors to insulators, dependent on how tightly electrons are bound. The difference is based on how tightly the outer electrons are bound in the outermost electron shell around the atomic nuclei.
    • Electrons in a conductor can easily move about.
    • Electrons in a valence band of an atom will break out into a conductive band with a certain amount of energy (band gap).
    • Insulators have a wide band gap, making it difficult for electrons to jump.
    • Conductors have a small or nonexistent band gap.
    • Semi-conductors have a moderate or small band gap.

    Semiconductors (Detailed)

    • Semiconductors exist on a spectrum from conductors to insulators.
    • Conductors conduct electricity, while insulators do not.
    • The difference in conductivity lies in how tightly electrons are held in the outermost electron shell of the atom (valence shell).

    Semiconductor Doping

    • Semi-conductors are created by doping silicon with other elements to alter its electron properties.
    • N-type semiconductors have extra electrons.
    • P-type semiconductors have fewer electrons.

    P-N Junction

    • A P-N junction forms when N-type and P-type semiconductors are joined.
    • Excess electrons in the N-type material are attracted to excess electron holes in the P-type material.

    Solar Cell Operation

    • Electrons move from the N-side to the P-side when sunlight is present.
    • The depletion zone creates an electric field opposing electron movement.
    • The width of the band gap is the same for both sides of the semiconductor, but the absolute energy level at the bottom of the band gap is greater on the P-side than the N-side.
    • Electrons tend to concentrate on the N-side, and holes concentrate on the P-side.

    Solar Cell Construction

    • Solar panel construction uses multiple solar cells in series.
    • The total panel voltage is the sum of the cell voltages.

    Types of PV Cells

    • Monocrystalline PV cells: Made from single silicon crystals, most expensive, highest efficiency (17-22%).
    • Polycrystalline PV cells: Made from multiple interlocking silicon crystals, faster to create, lower cost, lower efficiency (15-17%).
    • Film PV cells: Made from rapidly quenched doped silica, no crystals, flexible, lowest efficiency (10-13%).

    Solar PV System

    • Solar panels are arranged in series to increase voltage, and in parallel to increase current.
    • Inverters convert DC current from panels to AC current.

    Solar Resource and Output

    • Solar insolation is predictable, but it's intermittent due to clouds/night.
    • Peak solar insolation often occurs near peak electricity demand.

    Solar Panel Orientations

    • Fixed panels: Fixed orientation, equates to the least solar energy.
    • Panels with seasons: Fixed orientation but tilt varies with the seasons.
    • Panels with tracking: Tracks the sun, generally the most solar energy.

    Solar Economics

    • Main cost components include PV modules, inverters, balance-of-system hardware (wiring, mounting, etc.), and installation/permitting costs.
    • Incentives are key to reducing solar costs for residential customers.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Lesson 20: Solar Energy PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the fundamentals of solar energy, including its sources, conversion through solar cells, and the role of semiconductors in photovoltaic systems. Additionally, explore the various forms of solar energy and their applications. Test your understanding of solar technologies and their economic implications.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser