Solar cells convert the energy of incoming light to electric energy; a good qual

Question

Solar cells convert the energy of incoming light to electric energy; a good quality cell operates at an efficiency of 15%. Each person in the United States uses energy (for lighting, heating, transportation, etc.) at an average rate of 11 { m kW}. Although sunlight varies with season and time of day, solar energy falls on the United States at an average intensity of 200 { m W}/{ m m}^{2}.


Assuming you live in an average location, what total solar-cell area would you need to provide all of your energy needs with energy from the sun?

Explanation / Answer

The correct rate is 11kWhr per day. 11kw would be a horrendous amount of power.(maybe Al Gore uses it at this rate) I will calc it at your rate for problem sake. (this is not real life by the way, there are lots more variables, length of day, etc) 200W/m^2 * 15% = 30w/meter 11kw / 30w/meter = 366m^2 On a side note I think mastering physics is a crappy program, made for lazy physics teacher that dont ever care about application of knowledge.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse S
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.