Solar Energy (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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How do photovoltaic (PV) solar cells generate electricity?
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Cards in this collection (26)
How do photovoltaic (PV) solar cells generate electricity?
Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials.
True or False?
Every hour, the Sun delivers enough energy to cover the world's energy consumption for a year.
True.
This makes the Sun a vast renewable resource; its energy reaches Earth as visible light and infrared radiation.
Define active solar heating system.
An active solar heating system uses solar energy to heat a liquid or air through mechanical and electric equipment.
Solar cells are relatively inefficient, with an efficiency of around .
Solar cells are relatively inefficient, with an efficiency of around 20%-40%.
Which factors affect the efficiency of solar energy systems?
The efficiency of solar energy systems depends on sunlight availability, weather conditions, and geographic location.
What equipment does an active solar heating system typically include?
An active solar heating system typically includes solar collectors, pumps, and storage tanks.
Define passive solar energy system.
A passive solar energy system absorbs heat directly from sunlight without mechanical or electric equipment, using a building's design, location, and materials.
Why are PV cells an intermittent energy source?
PV cells are sunlight-dependent, so they need energy storage for nighttime or cloudy days.
In an active solar water heating system, radiation from the Sun heats the water as it flows through pipes in the solar panel.
In an active solar water heating system, infrared radiation from the Sun heats the water as it flows through pipes in the solar panel.
True or False?
An active solar heating system can supply energy only while the Sun is shining.
False.
Active systems store heated water in a tank, so they can provide energy even when sunlight is not immediately available.
Give two advantages of PV solar cells.
PV cells produce no greenhouse gases or air pollutants during operation, work at many scales from rooftops to solar farms, can be integrated into buildings, and can power remote places.
Which design features help a building use passive solar energy?
Passive solar buildings use large south-facing windows, thermal mass such as concrete or brick, and insulation.
How do the manufacture and disposal of PV cells harm the environment?
PV manufacture and disposal involve mining of rare earth minerals and the disposal of e-waste.
In a passive solar building, heat stored in walls and floors is released throughout the day and into the evening.
In a passive solar building, heat stored in walls and floors is released slowly throughout the day and into the evening.
Why can large solar farms conflict with agriculture?
Solar farms need a lot of land, which could otherwise be used for agriculture.
Why is solar energy classed as renewable?
Solar energy is renewable because it is abundant and inexhaustible.
True or False?
Solar energy systems release greenhouse gases while they operate.
False.
Solar energy has zero operational emissions, so it produces no greenhouse gases while generating electricity.
Once installed, solar energy systems have low maintenance and costs.
Once installed, solar energy systems have low maintenance and operating costs.
How does solar energy support energy independence?
Solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which enhances energy security.
Why is solar energy an intermittent source?
Solar energy depends on sunlight availability, which is affected by weather and time of day.
True or False?
Solar energy systems are cheap to install.
False.
Solar energy systems have high initial costs because installation can be expensive.
Why is storing solar energy a disadvantage?
Storing solar energy is challenging and costly, and batteries must be disposed of safely at the end of their life.
Which materials must be mined to make solar panels?
Silicon and rare earth elements must be mined to make solar panels.
Solar panels last for just years and need careful disposal to avoid chemical pollution.
Solar panels last for just 20-30 years and need careful disposal to avoid chemical pollution.
Why is space a disadvantage of solar energy?
Solar energy needs large areas of panels to generate significant amounts of energy.
How can large solar farms affect desert environments?
Large desert solar farms can alter land cover, change local microclimates, reduce water for native plants, fragment habitats, and reduce biodiversity.
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