Required information The annual average insolation (energy of sunlight per unit

Question

Required information The annual average insolation (energy of sunlight per unit area) striking a fixed solar panel in Buffalo, New York, is 200 w-m-2, while in Phoenix, Arizona, it is 270 W-m-. In each location, the solar panel converts 13% of the incident energy into electricity. Average annual electricity use in Buffalo is 6000 kW-h at an average cost of $0.15 kW h, while in Phoenix it is 11,000 kW h at a cost of $0.09 kW-h In each city, what area of solar panel is needed to meet the average electrical needs of a residence? (You must provide an answer before moving to the next part.) The area of solar panel needed in Buffalo ism2 The area of solar panel needed in Phoenix ism 2

Explanation / Answer

In Buffalo

Incident energy = 200 W/m2

Electricity from Incident energy = 200*0.13 = 26 W/m2

Annually electricity used = 6000 kWh/year x 1 year/8760 h

= 0.6849 kW x 1000W/kW = 684.9 W

Area of solar panel = electricity used/Electricity from Incident energy

= (684.9 W)/(26 W/m2)

= 26.342 m2

In Phoenix

Incident energy = 270 W/m2

Electricity from Incident energy = 270*0.13 = 35.1 W/m2

Annually electricity used = 11000 kWh/year x 1 year/8760 h

= 1.2557 kW x 1000W/kW = 1255.7 W

Area of solar panel = electricity used/Electricity from Incident energy

= (1255.7 W)/(35.1 W/m2)

= 35.775 m2

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