Deck 9: Solar Power for Your Home

Question 1

Of all the energy we use in our daily lives, only ____________________ energy is not a form of sun energy.

Answer 1

geothermal

Question 2

To heat water using solar energy, a(n) ____________________ is used.

Answer 2

collector

Question 3

PV modules range in output from 10 to 300 watts.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Discuss some of the things that make stand-alone systems most successful.

Question 5

Silicon is the most popular semiconductor material for solar cells.

Question 6

The intensity of solar radiation striking the Earth's surface is increased when it passes through a thicker layer of atmosphere and when it strikes at an angle rather than vertically.

Question 7

Explain the phenomenon of the photoelectric effect.

Question 8

The lower energy level of a semiconductor is called the ____________________.

Question 9

Passive residential solar water heating systems rely on municipal water pressure or ____________________ to circulate the HTF.

Question 10

Explain why most homeowners prefer a grid-connected system to a stand alone system.

Question 11

Describe how evacuated heat pipe tubes (EHPTs) work.

Question 12

Solar radiation that reaches the surface without being diffused is called ____________________ solar radiation.

Question 13

Generating electricity directly from the sun's radiation is known as ____________________ power generation.

Question 14

A grid-connected solar power system requires some additional equipment beyond the basic solar generation components.This equipment is called ____________________ equipment.

Question 15

If sunlight cannot be kept off some parts of the building, make those surfaces as ____________________ as possible so that the least amount of heat is absorbed.

Question 16

Residential solar water heating installations must be passive.

Question 17

Low ceilings and heating/cooling zones that are separated from one another by closed doors are most efficient for heating a home in a cold climate.

Question 18

Discuss how most of the energy sources on earth originally came from the sun.

Question 19

Explain how passive use of the sun's energy is used in homes.

Question 20

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of solar cells being made into other forms besides individual units combined into modules and arrays.