All Flashcards
What is solar energy?
Renewable energy derived directly from the sun.
What are solar panels?
Devices used to capture solar energy and convert it into electricity.
What are photovoltaic (PV) cells?
Cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity.
What is the photovoltaic effect?
The process by which PV cells convert sunlight into electricity.
Define renewable energy.
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, or water.
What is meant by 'clean energy source'?
Energy source that does not produce greenhouse gases during operation.
What are semiconductors?
Materials with electrical conductivity between conductors and insulators, used in PV cells.
What is solar thermal energy?
Energy that uses the sun's heat to produce electricity or heat water/air.
Define intermittency in the context of solar energy.
The characteristic of solar energy production being dependent on sunlight availability.
What is meant by 'upfront costs' in regards to solar energy?
The initial expenses associated with purchasing and installing solar panels.
How can government incentives promote solar energy adoption?
Tax credits, rebates, and subsidies reduce the initial cost, making solar more affordable.
How can improved energy storage solutions enhance solar energy sustainability?
Efficient storage addresses intermittency, ensuring a reliable power supply even without sunlight.
How can net metering policies encourage solar energy use?
Allowing consumers to sell excess solar energy back to the grid promotes investment in solar panels.
How can promoting research and development improve solar energy technology?
Advances in PV cell efficiency and materials reduce costs and increase energy output.
How can community solar projects increase access to solar energy?
Shared solar installations allow multiple households to benefit from solar power, even without individual panels.
How can sustainable manufacturing practices reduce the environmental impact of solar panels?
Using recycled materials, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing waste lowers the carbon footprint of production.
How can integrating solar panels into building design enhance sustainability?
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) maximize energy generation while minimizing land use.
How can educating the public about solar energy promote its adoption?
Increased awareness of the benefits and cost savings encourages more people to invest in solar.
How can policies supporting grid modernization facilitate solar energy integration?
Smart grids enable better management of distributed solar energy resources, improving reliability and efficiency.
How can promoting responsible land use for solar farms minimize environmental impacts?
Careful site selection and habitat preservation reduce disturbance to ecosystems.
Define solar energy.
Renewable energy derived directly from the sun.
What are photovoltaic (PV) cells?
Cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Define the photovoltaic effect.
The process where sunlight hitting PV cells knocks electrons loose, creating an electrical current.
Define renewable energy source.
An energy source that is naturally replenished and sustainable.
What are semiconductors?
Materials with electrical conductivity between conductors and insulators, used in PV cells.