Solar Energy

Question 1

What % of global energy is derived from solar?

Answer 1

less than 1%

Question 2

What is the potential of solar power compared to current consumption?

Answer 2

Potential to provide 1800 times GPEC

Question 3

What are the two basic systems used to harness solar power?

Answer 3

Photovoltaic cells

Concentrated solar power

Question 4

What is the difference between photovoltaic and concentrated solar power?

Answer 4

Photovoltaic uses panels, while concentrated uses mirrors to focus the light on a single point.

Question 5

What are concentrated photovoltaics and why are they being developed?

Answer 5

• Combing the two methods, by removing the expensive process in one method and replacing it with the cheaper process from the other method
• More cost-effective

Question 6

Give two limitations of solar power

Answer 6

• Costs more than other sources for same amount of energy

- Can’t generate power at night.

Question 7

To what extent is it possible for the limitations of solar power be addressed?

Answer 7

• Finding a way to store the energy in the day so it is available at night, but this is expensive.
• Cost is limiting the progression of solar power so it could be a while before a solution is found

Question 8

Give the name and location of a concentrated solar power plant

Answer 8

Gemasolar,

Seville, Spain

Question 9

Gemasolar Plant:

Produces energy ……… hours per day, storing it in ………………

Produces ………. of electricity, enough to power …………. homes

Answer 9

24
Molten salts

20MW
25,000

Question 10

Give the name and location of a photovoltaic energy project

Answer 10

SELCO-India

Karnataka, Southern India

Question 11

SELCO-India:

Designed and sold over ……………….. solar home systems
, powering …………….. and ………………… for ………………. people

Answer 11

48,000

electric lighting

small appliances

220,000

Question 12

Give 3 benefits of solar power in places like India

Answer 12

• Dangerous kerosene light avoided
• Extended work and study hours
• More leisure and entertainment opportunities

Question 13

Name a photovoltaic energy project in Africa

Answer 13

Akon

Question 14

Give 3 ways Akon has improved people’s lives

Answer 14

• Solar streetlights mean hospitals and businesses can operate at night
• Access to local and global information, allowing people to make more connections
• People can feel safer at night and are safer in their homes due to a reduced fire risk